Clayton man killed in wreck on U.S. 76

CLAYTON - Georgia State Patrol officials say alcohol could have been a factor in a single-vehicle wreck that claimed the life of a Clayton man late Sunday night.

John Ray Stolp, 29, of Clayton died when his 1999 Ford Windstar went out of control and overturned on Georgia Highway 2 (U.S. 76) near Clayton at 11:52 p.m. Sunday, said Trooper 1st Class Casey Coffee of GSP Post 7 in Toccoa.

"Alcohol is suspected, pending the blood test," Coffee said.

Coffee said Stolt's van was traveling west on Georgia 2 at the time of the crash.

According to the report, Stolp was negotiating a curve when he ran off the west shoulder of the roadway, then overcorrected. The vehicle traveled 125 feet before traveling off the south shoulder.

"The driver of vehicle 1 attempted a second time to regain control and overcorrected again," Coffee said.

The vehicle then traveled off the north shoulder of the roadway and struck a bridge rail with the passenger side, Coffee said. After impact, the van struck a mailbox before striking a tree with the top of the vehicle.

The van came to rest off the roadway.

Stolp, who was restrained, was trapped and had to be extricated, Coffee said.

A memorial service for Stolp will be announced later by Hunter Funeral Home of Clayton.