Sunday November 10th, 2024 6:15AM

Worker dead after being hit by vehicle on I-985 Monday

By AccessWDUN Staff

Update published 3:30 p.m. Tuesday:

The worker who was struck by a vehicle on the side of I-985 in Gainesville Monday morning has died from his injuries.

Hall County Deputy Coroner Kevin Wetzel confirmed Tuesday afternoon that Jhon Padilla Pereira, age 22 of Tampa, Florida, died at Northeast Georgia Medical Center between 4:30 and 4:45 p.m. Monday, just hours after the collision.

A report from the Georgia State Patrol Monday said Pereira was hit by a 2013 Hyndai Elantra driven by Kelley Shorts, age 52 of Buford. Shorts had reportedly swerved into the grass median due to an abrupt slowdown of traffic.

Wetzel said a cause of death has not been announced yet for Pereira. No charges have been announced in the case as of Tuesday afternoon.


Update published Monday night:

GSP has revealed the identity of the victim to be 22-year-old Jhon Padilla Pereira of Tampa, Florida. 

The investigation determined Padilla had crossed northbound lanes on I-985 with his work crew. 

This is when a 2013 Hyundai Elantra, driven by 52-year-old Kelley Shorts of Buford, slowed abruptly due to traffic and went off the roadway into the median Padilla was on. 

The Elantra allegedly struck the guardrail before striking Padilla with its left headlight area. Padilla was transported to a local hospital with serious injuries. 

The investigation is still ongoing according to GSP and no charges have currently been filed.


Original story posted Monday morning:

Police say a worker was seriously injured when they were hit by a vehicle on I-985 in Gainesville Monday morning.

A social media post from the Gainesville Police Department said the incident happened on the northbound side of the interstate near the Elachee Drive bridge. No information on the vehicle or driver that hit the worker was released.

The worker's name has also not been released, but authorities said they were taken to Northeast Georgia Medical Center for treatment.

The scene left at least one lane of I-985 Northbound blocked for some time. All lanes were eventually re-opened around 11:00 a.m.

The Georgia State Patrol is investigating the collision.

  • Associated Categories: Homepage, Local/State News
  • Associated Tags: gainesville, hall county, Gainesville Police Department, Georgia State Patrol, I-985, pedestrian accident
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