HART COUNTY, GA — A deadly crash involving three vehicles on GA 77 near Stephen Johnson Road claimed the life of a 68-year-old Elberton man on Wednesday morning. The Georgia State Patrol (GSP) confirmed the fatal incident occurred just before 9:24 a.m. in a construction zone along the northbound lanes.
According to investigators, the vehicles involved were a 1995 Ford Ranger, a 2023 Dodge Ram 1500, and a 2021 GMC Yukon XL. The Dodge and the GMC had come to a complete stop in the construction zone, waiting for a signal to proceed, when the crash occurred.
GSP reported that the driver of the Ford Ranger, identified as William Stanley Bridges, failed to maintain a safe following distance and struck the rear of the Dodge Ram. The impact pushed the Dodge into the GMC, creating a chain-reaction collision. Bridges, who was not wearing a seatbelt at the time, was pronounced dead at the scene.
Emergency responders treated the driver of the GMC for non-life-threatening injuries. The driver of the Dodge Ram was reportedly unharmed in the crash. No other injuries were reported.
Authorities believe that following too closely was the primary factor leading to the crash. The incident underscores the dangers of tailgating, particularly in high-risk areas such as construction zones, where unexpected stops are common.
This fatality adds to the growing number of traffic-related deaths in Georgia this year, drawing renewed attention to the importance of safe driving practices. Law enforcement officials continue to urge motorists to maintain safe distances, obey speed limits, and remain alert—especially in zones with slowed or stopped traffic.
As the investigation continues, the Georgia State Patrol has not announced any charges and is still gathering details related to the collision. Officials are also emphasizing the life-saving importance of wearing seatbelts, which significantly reduce the risk of fatal injuries in crashes.
The Hart County community is mourning the loss of William Stanley Bridges, as friends and family grapple with his sudden passing. GSP will continue to release updates as more information becomes available regarding the crash.