DEKALB, DeKalb County, Ga., Sept. 14, 2026 — A 19-year-old man died on Monday morning, September 14, after a van left the roadway and struck him while he was reportedly placing flags for a construction project along a busy DeKalb County road, according to authorities.
DeKalb County police said officers responded to the area of Lavista Road and North Druid Hills Road after the crash was reported. The victim was identified by officials as Dylan Wayland, 19. Authorities said he was working along Lavista Road when a van reportedly left the road and hit him.
Wayland died from his injuries, police said. The driver of the van stayed at the scene and has not been publicly identified.
DeKalb County Police say the cause of the crash remains under investigation. No charges have been announced.
We extend our sincere condolences to the family of the deceased.
How Investigators Piece Together a Fatal Pedestrian Crash
Police work at the scene of a fatal pedestrian crash usually starts with measurements and photos, before traffic resumes and physical evidence is lost. Officers document skid marks, debris fields, and the final resting positions of the vehicle and the person who was struck. In cases involving road departure, investigators also examine the roadway itself, checking for shoulder width, lighting, and any signage or markings related to construction or work zones.
Names are typically withheld until the next of kin have been formally notified, which can take longer than the public expects, especially if family members live out of the area. A toxicology screening, if ordered, often takes several weeks to come back from a lab. A final crash report, which may include a reconstruction of vehicle speed and driver reaction time, can take even longer, particularly if the case involves a specialized traffic homicide or reconstruction unit.
None of this means an investigation has stalled. Investigators generally hold back conclusions until the physical evidence, witness statements, and any available video have all been reviewed together.
Frequently Asked Questions
How are fatal pedestrian crashes investigated?
Police typically document the scene with measurements, photos, and witness interviews, then reconstruct the sequence of events using physical evidence such as skid marks and vehicle damage.
How long does it take to get a final report?
Investigations can take several weeks to months, depending on whether toxicology results, specialized reconstruction, or additional witness interviews are needed.
Where do fatal pedestrian crashes most often happen?
They frequently occur on multi-lane roads with higher speed limits, especially where people are working, walking, or standing near the travel lanes without a physical barrier separating them from traffic.
What to Do After a Pedestrian Crash in DeKalb County, GA
Anyone who witnesses or is involved in a pedestrian crash should call 911 immediately and stay at the scene if it's safe to do so. Even if injuries seem minor at first, a medical evaluation is important, since some injuries from being struck by a vehicle don't show symptoms right away.
If you're a witness, try to note what you saw, including the time, location, and any details about the vehicles involved, and share that information with responding officers. Cooperating with the police report and following up with the department for updates can help family members and the community get answers as the investigation moves forward.
