Matthew Roark dies in fatal Jackson County car crash
Fatal Jackson County car crash death of Mr. Matthew Roark
The Georgia State Patrol released preliminary findings from its ongoing probe into the fatal collision that occurred Monday morning in Jackson County. The agency reported later that day that a 2011 Ford Super Duty pickup truck crossed into the opposite lane while heading east on SR 53 near Church Street. This action resulted in a head-on collision with a 2006 Mercury Grand Marquis that was traveling westbound on the same stretch of road.
The driver of the Mercury Grand Marquis, identified as Mr. Matthew Roark, a 57-year-old resident of Bogart, tragically lost his life due to the severe injuries sustained in the impact. According to reports, the occupants of the Ford Super Duty involved in the crash immediately fled the scene but were eventually apprehended and taken to the Jackson County Jail, where they were reported to have sustained only minor injuries.
The driver of the Ford Super Duty pickup was identified as Wilber Mejia-Bonilla, a 23-year-old from Gainesville, GA, and the passenger was Mauro Zapata-Morado, a 33-year-old from Mexico. The crash occurred in Hoschton, closing Highway 53 for an extended period.
Jackson County Sheriff Kevin McCook provided an update, confirming that deputies responded to the scene where a vehicle had crossed the center line of Highway 53, striking the Mercury Grand Marquis. McCook stated that the driver and passenger of the suspect vehicle deserted the area, with one apprehended after a brief search and the other captured several hours later with public assistance. Assistance was also provided by the Banks County Sheriff’s office and the Commerce Police Department, including K9 units, and West Jackson Fire responded to the incident. Both individuals involved were transported to the Jackson County Jail. The Georgia State Patrol was subsequently given control of the crash scene, with officials confirming the investigation is still active and ongoing.
