Four students involved in car accident, two fatalities

Four students were involved in an automobile accident on North Columbia Street in the early morning hours of Sept. 22, according to the Milledgeville Police Department. Two freshmen, Johnny Harof and Alex Delor, were killed.

Freshman Christian Smith was driving a 2004 Mini Cooper on North Columbia Street at the intersection of the railroad tracks near the Goodie Gallery, according to Milledgeville Chief of Police Woodrow Blue.

Smith and Tyler Zecker, who was sitting in the passenger seat, sustained injuries and were taken to Oconee Regional Medical Center and later transported to the Medical Center of Central Georgia in Macon, explained Blue.

“At this time we know they were heading south on North Columbia Street. When the driver crossed over the railroad tracks, he lost control of the vehicle, it went airborne, flipped over a couple of times and ended up striking a tree,” Blue said.

The first responders were on the scene at 12:58 a.m., Blue said.

According to John Gonzalez at the Baldwin County Coroner’s Office, Harof and Delor were pronounced dead at 1:45 a.m. The cause of death was blunt head trauma.

“I hate it,” said Gonzales. “It’s real sad to see young kids. They need to slow down.”

Interim President Stas Preczewski issued a statement to the student body and college community. In the statement he offered “most heart-felt condolences to the family members, friends and associates of our deceased students.” He also said that counselors would be available to “assist any university person or group who wishes assistance.”

SGA President Evan Karanovich expressed the need for unity in this time of tragedy.

“The untimely deaths of Alex and Johnny, our friends and classmates, are difficult,” Karanovich said. “By coming together as family, we can comfort and restore through these difficult times. These two students began their college careers here just a short time ago, but they made a mark as soon as they became part of our George College family.”

“The accident is still under investigation. It will be a couple of days until we complete it,” Blue said.

It is normal for instances of fatality to be under investigation for a period of time, according to Blue.

All four students went to Collins Hill High School in Lawrenceville, Ga. Their families have been notified.

The police report and comments from first responders who were at the scene are still pending.

 

By Aubrie Sofala and Bobbi Otis