17-year-old Ga. high school student killed in crash on 4th day of school

UPSON COUNTY, Ga. — A 17-year-old Georgia high school student died in a car crash Friday morning on her way to school, according to the sheriff’s office.

Upson County Sheriff Dan Kilgore said the crash happened on Highway 74 at Yatesville Highway around 7:45 a.m. He identified the student as 17-year-old Jer’Mya Eleby, a senior at Upson-Lee High School.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

Investigators said they believe Eleby was driving westbound when a second vehicle turned eastbound from Trinity Road in front of Eleby’s car as she got to the top of a hill. Eleby lost control as she swerved to avoid the second car. Her car flipped over and landed on it’s roof, submerged in a creek.

Eleby died at the scene.

TRENDING STORIES:

• Murder suspect on the run after shooting driver in the head, killing him on I-985
• ‘Intruders’ at metro high school also snuck into another school in different county, officials say
• Commissioner remains silent as we ask her about alleged sexual relationship with fired colleague

A Facebook group for the Upson-Lee High School cheerleading squad identified Eleby as one of its members. The school is providing counseling.

The Thomaston-Upson Civic Center said Eleby was a lifeguard on the summer staff.

“This loss is devastating to us, and our hearts go out to the family, friends, faculty, and staff members who knew and loved this student,” the school district wrote in a statement. “We ask the community to join us in keeping her family and loved ones in your thoughts and prayers and to respect their privacy during this very difficult time.”

The crash is still under investigation.

IN OTHER NEWS

Crews recover body of 27-year-old swimmer who disappeared in Lake Lanier

©2023 Cox Media Group