BALDWIN, Ga. — A Baldwin woman lost her life in a single-vehicle accident near her home on Sunday evening, June 1. Authorities identified the victim as 70-year-old Cynthia Deckner Humphry. The fatal crash occurred at approximately 6:09 p.m. near 1312 Highway 198, just outside the town of Homer.
Emergency units from Banks County Fire and Emergency Services responded swiftly to the scene. According to Steve Nichols, a department spokesperson, responders found a vehicle down an embankment and resting in a ditch located in front of Humphry’s residence. Humphry was extracted from the vehicle, but she had already succumbed to her injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.
According to a preliminary report from the Georgia State Patrol, the crash began as Humphry attempted to navigate her private driveway. She veered to the right in an effort to avoid a closed gate. In doing so, her vehicle collided with a telephone pole, causing significant damage. Investigators say that after the impact, the vehicle veered left, left the driveway, and traveled nearly 50 feet down a steep embankment.
Authorities have not indicated whether medical issues or mechanical failure may have contributed to the crash. The Georgia State Patrol has launched an official investigation to determine the exact cause and sequence of events. At this time, no other vehicles or individuals were involved in the accident.
Neighbors and friends described Humphry as a kind and quiet presence in the community. “She mostly kept to herself, but she was always polite and waved when she saw you,” said one local resident. “It’s just really sad. You don’t expect something like this to happen right at someone’s front door.”
This incident has prompted safety reminders from local officials, particularly for residents who live along rural routes or have private driveways with limited visibility or obstructions. Authorities encourage drivers to remain cautious and ensure gates, pathways, and lighting are properly maintained to reduce the risk of accidents.
As the community mourns the loss of Cynthia Humphry, no funeral arrangements have been publicly announced at this time. The Georgia State Patrol continues to investigate and is expected to release further details in the coming days.
