Waynesboro, GA (August 14, 2025) – Two men lost their lives Wednesday night in a single-vehicle crash along the 800 block of Hancock Landing Rd in Burke County. Authorities identified the victims as 49-year-old Russell Shayne Findley of Greiner Circle in north Burke County and 31-year-old Gabriel Lee Bobbitt of Ball Ground in Cherokee County.
The Burke County Sheriff’s Office reports that the crash occurred around 7:40 p.m. when the southbound vehicle, traveling at an excessive speed, failed to negotiate a curve. The vehicle veered off the roadway, struck a ditch, and flipped multiple times before coming to rest. Both Findley and Bobbitt were inside the vehicle at the time of the collision.
Emergency responders arrived to find the vehicle heavily damaged and the victims fatally injured. No other vehicles were involved in the incident.
The Burke County Sheriff’s Office Traffic Division is leading the investigation to determine additional details surrounding the crash.
Our heartfelt condolences go out to the families and friends of both victims.
Single-Vehicle Crashes in Georgia
Single-vehicle accidents, particularly those involving excessive speed, remain a significant cause of roadway fatalities in Georgia. Rural roads like Hancock Landing Rd often have sharp curves and limited lighting, increasing the risk for drivers traveling too fast for conditions.
According to the Georgia Department of Transportation, single-vehicle crashes account for nearly half of all fatal traffic accidents in the state each year. Loss of control, impaired driving, and high speeds are among the most common contributing factors. In many rural areas, the absence of guardrails and the presence of ditches or embankments can worsen outcomes when a vehicle leaves the roadway.
Safety experts recommend reducing speed when approaching curves, especially on unfamiliar or rural roads, and remaining alert to changing road conditions. Tragically, even a single miscalculation at high speed can have fatal consequences.
If you have lost a loved one in a crash and need support, contact Local Accident Reports for resources and guidance.
