FRANKLIN, Franklin County, Ga., Oct. 4, 2026 — Two people died on Saturday afternoon, October 3, after a car hydroplaned on I-85 and struck a tree in Franklin County, according to the Georgia State Patrol.
Troopers responded to the crash near mile marker 167 at 12:47 p.m. A car traveling in the right lane reportedly hydroplaned, causing the driver to lose control and leave the roadway, where it hit a tree head-on.
The driver, identified by troopers as 63-year-old Khasan S. Umarov, and the passenger, 61-year-old Khalisa Umarovna Umarova, both of Roswell, Georgia, were taken to a hospital, where they later died.
The Georgia State Patrol said no driver impairment is suspected in the crash. The investigation remains open.
We extend our sincere condolences to the families of the deceased victims.
When Wet-Road Crashes Like This Tend to Happen
Hydroplaning crashes cluster around sudden rain after dry spells, when oil and debris on the pavement mix with the first water, making the surface slicker than it appears. Afternoon and early evening storms, common in the Southeast in fall, catch highway drivers moving at full speed with little warning.
Interstates add their own risk at these moments. Higher speed limits mean less time to react when a car's tires lose contact with the road, and a loss of control that might be minor on a side street can carry a vehicle across lanes or off the shoulder entirely.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 37,654 fatal traffic crashes occurred in 2023. Weather-related loss of control, including hydroplaning, is a recurring factor that investigators consider when pavement is wet and speeds are high.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does speed affect whether people survive a crash?
Yes. Higher speed means more force at impact and less time for a driver to react or correct course, which is part of why interstate crashes can be severe even in a single vehicle.
Why does wearing a seat belt matter so much?
A seat belt keeps an occupant from being thrown forward or out of the vehicle during a sudden stop or a collision with a fixed object, such as a tree, which greatly improves the odds of survival.
What should a family do after a fatal crash?
Families can request the official crash report from the investigating agency, which typically becomes available days or weeks after the incident, and can contact the agency directly with questions about the investigation's status.
How do investigators determine what caused a crash like this?
Troopers typically examine the scene, road conditions, vehicle damage, and witness accounts, and may consider weather, speed, and mechanical factors before closing a case.
What to Do After a Hydroplaning Crash in Franklin, Georgia
If you're involved in a wet-weather crash, move to a safe location if possible and call 911 right away. Even if injuries seem minor, a medical evaluation is worth getting, since some injuries from a sudden impact don't show symptoms immediately.
Stay at the scene until law enforcement arrives and get a copy of the report once it's filed. If you were a passenger or witness, write down what you remember while it's fresh, including road and weather conditions. Reaching out to your insurance company promptly can also help the process move smoothly.
