According to a Georgia State Patrol crash report and Public Information Office, On July 28, 2021, at approximately 12:35 p.m., a Trooper responded to a three-vehicle crash on GA-1 (Hwy 27) within the city limits of Chickamauga. Trooper Walthour arrived on scene to find a 2006 Chevrolet HHR, a Freightliner Commercial Truck, and another Freightliner Commercial Truck pulling a tanker-trailer involved in the crash. After a preliminary investigation and talking to witnesses, it was determined that the driver of the Chevrolet, Ashley Nicole Smith, 36, LaFayette, was traveling northbound on GA-1 and crossed into the southbound lanes of travel. The Chevrolet entered the left southbound travel lane in front of the Freightliner and the first impact occurred. The Chevrolet then came to an uncontrolled final rest back in the northbound travel lanes due to damage. The driver, Randy Wayne Wallin, 61, of LaFayette lost control of his Freightliner after impact and entered into the northbound travel lanes in front of the Freightliner pulling the tanker-trailer. The driver, James Conrett Johnson, 45, of Rossville, was traveling northbound on GA-1 and was unable to avoid the head-on crash. The Freightliners collided and the cab of the first Freightliner separated from the rest of the truck. Both Freightliners came to final uncontrolled rest on the east shoulder of GA-1. Smith and Wallin were both entrapped and transported to Erlanger Hospital with serious injuries. Troop A Specialized Collision Reconstruction Team (SCRT) was contacted for assistance with the crash due to the severe injuries. Due to the extent of damage, the northbound lanes of GA-1 were closed for approximately two hours and fifteen minutes. According to the crash report, Wallin was pronounced deceased at Erlanger at July 28th, 2021, at 12:28 AM. Driver statements and witness statements also stated that Smith was seen unable to maintain her lane several times and driving extremely erratically shortly before impact. According to the crash report, blood work showed Smith was not be under the influence at the time of crash. Warrants were issued and on July 31st, 2023, Smith was arrested. Smith was booked into the Walker County Jail, charged with Misdemeanor Homicide by Vehicle 2nd Degree, Improper Lane Change/Failure to Maintain Lane and Driving Wrong Side of Road. Smith was immediately released on an OR bond.
LaFayette woman arrested in connection with fatal 2021 crash on Hwy 27 in Chickamauga
