GSP Trooper Fired After Fatal Crash with Braves Trainer
GSP Trooper Donald Crozier, who was involved in the car crash with an Atlanta Braves trainer, killing the trainer's wife, has been fired. The Georgia State Police released a statement on Friday saying that they are launching an investigation into the New Year's Eve crash, and that in addition to Crozier being fired, they are considering filing charges against him.
The crash, which occurred around 4:30 p.m. on Dec. 31, happened while Crozier was on his way to a police chase, and, according to the GSP, had his lights and sirens on, when his cruiser hit the SUV driven by the Atlanta Brave's trainer Jeff Porter.
Porter, along with his son and his son's friend, were all injured, but his wife, Kathy Porter, was killed. A witness to the crash told Georgia's WSB-TV said Crozier ran a red light and did not hear any sirens. Crozier's vehicle hit into Porter's Ford Expedition, pushing it into a utility pole.
Investigators into the crash said that they obtained audio and video from the cruiser from just before the crash, but could only retrieve audio during the crash, due to the damage to the vehicle.
WSB-TV asked if the trooper broke any laws, and was referred to state code 40-6-6, which states The driver of an authorized emergency vehicle or law enforcement vehicle may: Proceed past a red or stop signal or stop sign, but only after slowing down as may be necessary for safe operation; and Exceed the maximum speed limits so long as he or she does not endanger life or property. According to some witnesses, Crozier did not slow down when approaching the intersection.
Colonel Mark McDonough said in the statement We extend our deepest condolences to the Porter family on their loss and they, along with Ms. Williams, remain in our thoughts and prayers.
The Atlanta Braves released a statement saying The Braves family is deeply saddened and shocked to learn about the tragic accident today involving the family of Head Athletic Trainer Jeff Porter and the death of his wife Kathy. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Jeff and Kathy's family, their son David and all their friends and loved ones.
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