HALL COUNTY, Georgia. – A tragic multi-vehicle crash on Winder Highway (SR 53) left one driver dead and several others injured Saturday afternoon. The accident, which occurred around 4:30 p.m. on August 10, sparked a major emergency response and resulted in the temporary closure of the westbound lanes of the highway.

According to Georgia State Patrol reports, the incident occurred near Strickland Road, just outside the Ingles grocery store. The investigation revealed that a Honda HR-V, driven by 63-year-old Juan de Dios Ramirez of Gainesville, was traveling eastbound in the westbound lanes of the divided highway. Ramirez’s vehicle collided head-on with a westbound GMC Acadia, driven by 52-year-old Kyle Fendlay of Manchester, Maryland.

The force of the impact caused the GMC Acadia to roll over. Behind the Acadia was a Toyota Camry driven by 21-year-old Andy Mijangos of Lawrenceville. Mijangos swerved to avoid the accident, causing his vehicle to leave the roadway and strike a curb on the northbound side. Fortunately, Mijangos was uninjured.

Tragically, Juan de Dios Ramirez was pronounced dead at the scene. Kyle Fendlay, his wife and four children suffered minor injuries and were taken to a nearby hospital for further treatment.

The westbound lanes of the Winder Highway were closed for approximately two hours while authorities investigated. Vehicle impairment is considered a possible factor in the crash, but the investigation is ongoing.