An early morning car crash in Gwinnett County claimed the life of a 20 year-old woman who was trying check on another driver Sunday.
The Gwinnett County Police Department Accident Investigation Unit is investigating the fatality. The accident occurred at about 1 a.m. on I-85 northbound south of Pleasant Hill Road in near Duluth.
According to police department officials, the preliminary investigation shows, a single vehicle accident occurred on I-85 northbound, between a Ford Explorer, driven by 64-year-old Elvester Sykes, of Lawrenceville, and the left median wall. Upon seeing this accident, 20-year-old Kayli Guthrie, of Dacula, stopped her vehicle and exited to check on the driver of the Ford Explorer.
At the same time, 27-year-old Jonathan Gresham of Grayson was approaching the accident scene in the left lane driving a Ford Fusion. Police say Gresham attempted to brake, at which time his vehicle struck the rear of the Ford Explorer and continued between the Ford Explorer and the median wall.
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Unfortunately, Guthrie was standing outside of her vehicle directly in the path of Gresham’s vehicle and she was struck by Gresham’s vehicle. She died on the scene as a result of her injuries.
Police say Gresham continued for a half mile before stopping and calling 911.
Both vehicles were impounded to Gwinnett County Police Headquarters for further analysis.
Speed is being investigated as a probable factor, with impairment being investigated as a definite factor.
Elvester Sykes was transported to a local hospital for treatment, but was charged with Driving Under the Influence – Less Safe in relation to his initial traffic accident.
Jonathan Gresham was arrested and charged with Homicide by Vehicle in the First Degree, Reckless Driving, Failure to Drive Within a Single Lane, and Driving Under the Influence – Less Safe.
This is an on-going investigation.
