Carnesville Woman Identified in Fatal Crash on Stone Bridge Road

The Georgia State Patrol released more information regarding the head-on crash Monday evening in Carnesville.

“On Monday, May 4, 2026, at approximately 1635 hours, Troopers from Post 52 (Hartwell) responded to a two-vehicle fatal crash on Stone Bridge Road near Andrews Road in Franklin County,” said Sgt. Ray Dean with GSP Post 52, Hartwell. “The preliminary crash investigation revealed that a silver 2018 Dodge Challenger was traveling west on Stone Bridge Road, and a red 2010 Ford Fusion was traveling east on Stone Bridge Road. Dean said the driver of the Challenger failed to maintain her proper lane and traveled over the centerline. The front of the Challenger struck the front of the Fusion in the eastbound lane of Stone Bridge Road.”

Dean said that after the impact, both vehicles rotated approximately 90 degrees and separated. The Challenger came to an uncontrolled final rest, facing south, off the north shoulder of Stone Bridge Road. The Fusion came to an uncontrolled final rest, facing north, partially off the south shoulder of Stone Bridge Road.

The driver of the Challenger, identified as 66-year-old Debra Ann Smith of Carnesville, suffered serious injuries and was lifeflighted to Greenville Memorial Hospital.

The driver of the Fusion, identified as 19-year-old Zoie Marie Atkinson of Carnesville, was pronounced deceased at the crash scene, and two children, ages 8 and 10, who were riding in the Fusion’s back seat, were also seriously injured.

One juvenile passenger was lifeflighted to Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Medical Center, and Franklin County EMS transported the other juvenile passenger to Greenville Memorial Hospital.

Dean said Troop B SCRT responded to the crash scene and is assisting with this crash investigation.

He said no driver impairment is suspected, and all associated charges are pending.