Franklin County GaArchives News.....Elber County accident claims life of recent FCHS graduate April 20, 2023
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File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by:
Alisa Dunn ardunn91@gmail.com May 18, 2023, 11:33 pm

Franklin County Citizen Leader April 20, 2023
By Rose Scoggins
The Elberton Star

DEWY ROSE--A two-car collision on Georgia Highway 17 early Sunday morning, that is 
suspected to involve driving under the influence, left one driver dead and the 
other seriously injured, according to a press release from the Georgia State 
Patrol (GSP).

Micah Orlanden Isiah Blackwell, 19, of a Dewy Rose address, was pronounced 
deceased on the scene, according to the press release.

The crash, which happened at approximately 5:07 a.m., occurred near the 
intersection of Bowman Highway and Hewell Road.

According to the report, a black 2016 Chervrolet Silverado, driven by Jose Ricado 
Napoles Mendez, 33, of Elberton, was driving south on Bowman Highway while a 
silver 2016 Hyundai Elantra, driven by Blackwell, was driven north.

"The black 2016 Silverado traveled across the centerline, entering the northbound 
lane of Georgia Highway 17," according to the GSP. "The front of the Silverado 
struck the front of the Elantra in the northbound lane of Georgia Highway 17. 
After the initial impact, the Silverado came to an uncontrolled final rest on its 
top in the northbound lane of Georgia Highway 17. The Elantra came to an 
uncontrolled rest off the east shoulder of Georgia Highway 17."

Mendez was transported by Elbert County Emergency Services to Northeast Georgia 
Medical Center in Gainesville "with serious injuries." He was "suspected to be 
under the influence of alcohol," at the time of the crash according to the GSP.

Charges for Mendez are pending and include homicide by vehicle in the first 
degree, driving under the influence, failure to maintain lane and driving while 
unlicensed.

The Troop B Specialized Collision Reconstruction Team is assisting with the 
investigation.

Blackwell was a graduate of Franklin County High School where he played football.
 
A visitation will be held today from noon until 5 p.m. at Mack's Funeral Home in 
Hartwell.

Interment will follow in Broad River Baptist Church Cemetery in Lavonia.



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