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.
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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.
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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.
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