Marietta, GA (March 28, 2026) – A 53-year-old man from Kennesaw was killed in a hit-and-run crash at the intersection of South Cobb Drive and Barclay Circle.
Emergency units responded to the crash around 9:30 p.m. on Wednesday, March 25. Investigators say Jeffery Ryder was riding north on South Cobb Dr on a 2025 BMW C400 motorcycle.
Authorities reported that a 2002 Honda Accord traveling in the opposite direction turned left into Ryder’s path. The motorcycle struck the Honda’s passenger side, and Ryder was thrown onto the roadway. He died from his injuries at the scene.
Investigators later identified the driver of the Honda as 35-year-old Alberto Martinez of Marietta. Authorities say Martinez left the scene without stopping, and he had not been located as of the latest reports.
The suspect has been charged through warrants that include first-degree homicide by vehicle and felony hit-and-run. Authorities have not confirmed whether anyone else was inside the Honda at the time of the crash.
Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the crash, and more details will be released as they become available.
Our sincere condolences go out to the victim’s loved ones.
Why Motorcycle Riders Face Higher Risk in Left-Turn Crashes
Motorcycles are often involved in crashes when another vehicle turns left across their path. These situations frequently occur at intersections where drivers must judge the speed and distance of oncoming traffic before turning.
Because motorcycles are smaller than most vehicles, they can be harder to notice, especially at night or in heavy traffic. A driver turning across traffic may misjudge how quickly a motorcycle is approaching or fail to see it entirely.
When a motorcycle strikes the side of a turning vehicle, the rider is usually thrown from the bike. Without the protection of a vehicle frame, riders are more exposed to serious harm during impact and when contacting the roadway.
Traffic patterns, lighting conditions, and the angle of an intersection can also affect visibility. These factors can increase the chances of a left-turn crash when drivers and riders approach the same intersection from opposite directions.
