Two 16-year-old girls from Athens, Georgia, tragically lost their lives in a car accident on Monday morning in McDuffie County. Coroner Paul Johnson identified the victims as Zymia Baughens and Denijah Granberry. The fatal crash has left the Athens and McDuffie communities grieving the loss of two young lives.
According to the Georgia State Patrol, the crash occurred on Georgia Highway 17/Washington Road when the 2015 Dodge Journey they were riding in veered off the road. The vehicle collided with several trees, resulting in fatal injuries to the two teenage passengers. The driver of the car, also a juvenile, was unharmed.
Emergency responders arrived at the scene, but Baughens and Granberry were pronounced dead by 11 a.m. Authorities have ruled the incident a tragic accident, but questions remain about what caused the vehicle to leave the roadway.
The Georgia State Patrol and the McDuffie County Coroner’s Office are leading the investigation, working to determine the factors that may have contributed to the crash. Investigators are examining road conditions, vehicle mechanics, and potential driver error as part of their ongoing inquiry.
This devastating loss underscores the importance of road safety and serves as a somber reminder of the unpredictable dangers that can arise while driving. Authorities hope the investigation will provide clarity on the events leading up to the crash and help prevent similar tragedies in the future.
The Athens community is mourning the untimely deaths of Baughens and Granberry, remembering them as bright and promising young individuals. As family and friends come to terms with their loss, the community is rallying to support those affected by this heartbreaking accident.