With 2023 coming to a close, AccessWDUN has created a list of our top five most-viewed stories of the year.
Coverage of a fiery wreck on Ga. 365 in Habersham County which led to the deaths of five people
- Habersham County Sheriff: Corvette driver allegedly speeding 'in excess of 150 mph' at time of deadly wreck
- GSP releases name of previously unidentified victim in fiery Ga. 365 wreck
- Fundraiser opens for Hall County Deputy who lost wife, 2 kids in Habersham County wreck
Five people, including two young children, were killed in a fiery two-vehicle wreck on July 16 on Georgia 365 in Habersham County.
The wreck happened at about 3:20 p.m. at the roadway's intersection with Mount Zion Road.
The five victims were identified as Avonlea Holtzclaw, 29, of Dahlonega, Holtzclaw's 5- and 6-year-old children, Mitchell Boggs, 58, of Marietta, and Seyhan Kilincci of Roswell.
A 2023 Chevrolet Corvette was driving southbound on the road as a 2015 Ford Explorer, driven by Holtzclaw, was attempting to cross the southbound lanes of the roadway. The Ford Explorer traveled in front of the Corvette, causing the Corvette to strike the Explorer on its passenger side. The Georgia State Patrol has still not determined whether Boggs or Killincci were driving the Corvette as of the last report. The full crash report was still not available as of December.
Habersham County Sheriff Joey Terrell claimed in the days following the wreck that the Corvette was traveling "in excess of 150 miles per hour" at the time of the collision. The Habersham County Sheriff's Office is not the investigating agency, and the GSP has been unable to corroborate that claim.
Holtzclaw and her children were the wife and kids of Hall County Sheriff's Deputy Patrick Neil Holtzclaw. A fundraiser remains open for the Holtzclaw family and can be viewed here.
Coverage of a tragic batting cage accident which led to the passing of a Gainesville High School student
- Injured GHS baseball player to be taken off life support
- Family issues statement after passing of Jeremy Medina
- Gainesville High School senior in coma after incident at school batting cages
The Gainesville community rallied behind a Gainesville High School baseball player after he was critically injured in a November batting cage accident, eventually leading to his death.
Jeremy Medina was practicing at the GHS indoor batting facility on Nov. 20 when he was accidentally struck in the head with a bat by another student.
Medina was in a coma for a couple of weeks following the incident and was eventually pronounced brain dead early in December. He was pulled off life support about a week later.
Those who wish to donate to the Medina family can do so at the website pray4jeremy.com.
Authorities release name of man who died after jumping into Lake Lanier
24-year-old Thomas Milner died on July 27 after he was shocked by electricity after jumping into Lake Lanier.
The Georgia Department of Natural Resources told AccessWDUN Milner jumped off a dock near Lanier Beach South Road in Forsyth County when he was shocked by a nearby electrical source.
A family member was able to bring Milner out of the water after turning off a nearby power box. Milner was taken to Northside Forsyth Hospital where he later died.
Governor Brian Kemp signs Senate Bill 42 into State Law
Senate Bill 42 was signed into law by Governor Brian Kemp on April 11 at the Governor's Mansion.
It allows state officials to assess fines against businesses in Georgia that remain noncompliant in posting printed alerts and phone numbers that come from the GBI, or National Human Trafficking Resource Center.
SB 42 will allow state and local law enforcement agencies to build upon the First Lady and the GRACE Commission’s work in bring awareness about human trafficking.
The new law allows authorities to fine non-compliant businesses between $500 and $5000 for multiple offenses.
Principal and two teachers at Banks Co. Elementary resign amid investigation
The principal of Banks County Elementary School and two teachers resigned in early February following an investigation into sexual misconduct on the school's campus.
Fox 5 Atlanta reported that state investigators from the Professional Standards Commission were investigating after a five-page report was released by the Banks County Board of Education detailing an alleged affair between principal Dr. Dana Simmons and a physical education teacher.
Banks County Schools Superintendent Dr. Ann Hopkins released a statement on the school system's Facebook page, saying Simmons resigned from her position as principal on January 27. Assistant Principal Dr. Leigh Ann Perry was promoted to principal of the school with Amanda Grier being promoted to assistant principal.
The report said there was evidence to support a sexual relationship between Simmons and teacher Dylan Charles, including a photo and an admission from Charles. Charles resigned, along with 3rd-grade teacher Kelsey Charles who is reportedly Dylan Charles' wife.
Honorable mentions:
- Margaritaville bans swimming in Lake Lanier
- Authorities: Two people killed in Wednesday morning wreck in Banks County
- New Gainesville restaurant ‘Hello Hilo’ opens its doors, offering Hawaiian cuisine
- Gwinnett County Public Schools employees to receive pay increase
- Two arrested after meth allegedly found in car at Oakwood hotel
