Hall Co., GA (March 24, 2025) – A man from Gainesville has been charged after a two-vehicle crash that took the lives of two individuals on Saturday morning, March 22. The crash happened shortly after 11:00 a.m. on Browns Bridge Road near the intersection with South Smith Road.
Preliminary reports show Rafael Garrido, 60, was headed west in the right lane of Browns Bridge Road near Cherry Circle when the vehicle of 24-year-old Kegan Thomas passed him in the left lane at high speeds. Thomas then entered the right lane while Garrido reportedly entered the left lane and started to overtake Thomas’ vehicle. Garrido then passed Thomas and tried to move to the right lane of South Smith Road. Garrido’s vehicle then struck the front of Thomas’ vehicle, which then excited the road before striking a utility pole and rolling over. Thomas’ vehicle stopped when it struck a concrete retaining wall, police said.
Both Thomas and a passenger in his front seat, Ariyana Richards, 22, of Cumming, lost their lives in the accident. Garrido was arrested on Sunday evening and faces several charges, some of which include two counts of racing, reckless driving, and aggressive driving. He remains in the Hall County Jail. Police in Hall County continue to investigate the incident.
We want to offer our sincere condolences to the family members of the deceased victims.
Georgia Traffic Collisions
Fatal car accidents are a heartbreaking reality in Georgia, with over 1,500 lives lost each year in tragic crashes. These accidents are often caused by dangerous behaviors like distracted driving, speeding, and driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. With over 400,000 car accidents happening in Georgia each year, the ripple effects on families and communities are profound.
Losing a loved one in a fatal crash is devastating, especially when the accident could have been prevented. Negligent driving remains a significant problem, both in Georgia and across the United States. In fact, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that over 94% of auto accidents nationwide are due to driver negligence, taking tens of thousands of lives each year.
If your family has lost a loved one in a fatal car accident, you have the right to seek justice. Working with a compassionate and experienced Hall County wrongful death lawyer can help you navigate this difficult time, giving you the support and guidance needed to hold the responsible party accountable. A wrongful death claim can help provide compensation for funeral expenses, lost income, emotional suffering, and other financial burdens left behind after a tragic accident.
At Davies Hothem Injury Law, we have years of experience helping families who have suffered devastating losses due to negligent drivers. Our team is here to stand by your side, fighting for the justice and compensation you deserve during this challenging time. We understand the weight of your loss and are committed to easing your legal burdens so you can focus on healing.
To learn more about how our Georgia wrongful death lawyers can help you, call Davies Hothem Injury Law at (678) 780-7817. Let us provide the compassionate, skilled representation your family deserves in seeking justice for your loved one.
Notes: At Davies Hothem Injury Law, our team compiles accident information in Georgia from various external sources, such as news outlets, police reports, social media, and witness statements. Please note, that the specifics of this incident have not been independently verified by our team. If you notice any errors in our report, kindly contact Davies Hothem Injury Law, and we will promptly make the necessary corrections or remove the content as required.
Disclaimer: Please be aware that the information provided does not constitute legal advice, nor does it create an attorney-client relationship. Legal outcomes depend on the unique details of each case. This post is not intended as a business solicitation. For specific legal guidance, please contact Davies Hothem Injury Law directly. Additionally, the image featured in this post is for illustrative purposes and is not from the actual accident scene.