A Georgia head-on collision killed two people in Walton County on Wednesday, January 19, 2011.  The crash occurred on Highway 81 between Bay Creek Church and Shiloh Roads just before noon.  Traffic was diverted for about three hours as state and county officials worked through the wreckage and investigated the crash.

According to the Walton County Sherriff’s Office, the crash occurred when a pick up truck driven by 52-year-old Barbara Mackie of Walton County went into the lane of oncoming traffic.  In that lane was a car driven by 54-year-old Richard Scott Riser of Newton County.  What caused Ms. Mackie to veer into the other lane remains under investigation by the Georgia State Patrol.  Both Ms. Mackie and Mr. Riser were killed in this Georgia head-on collision.  No other injuries or fatalities were reported.

Authorities indicate that Ms. Mackie and Mr. Riser were the first two traffic-related fatalities in Walton County in 2011. 

We extend our sincere condolences to the families and friends of Ms. Mackie and Mr. Riser following this tragic accident.