An elderly couple, beloved in their Putnam County community, was killed in a tragic car crash on Wednesday afternoon. The collision occurred around 3 p.m. at the intersection of Highway 16 and Pea Ridge Road, a spot now marked by loss.
According to authorities, a Georgia Power truck, driven by Matthew Crumbley, was turning left from Pea Ridge Road when it pulled directly in front of a car driven by 81-year-old Sara Abbott. The resulting impact severely damaged the couple’s vehicle. Sara’s husband, 83-year-old James Abbott, was in the passenger seat.
The aftermath was devastating. Putnam County Coroner Hollis Harrison confirmed that James Abbott died instantly at the scene. Emergency crews worked urgently to save Sara Abbott, rushing her to an ambulance with plans for an airlift to a trauma hospital. Tragically, she succumbed to her injuries before the flight could take off.
The driver of the truck, Matthew Crumbley, was taken to a local hospital for evaluation. He is expected to recover. Putnam County Sheriff’s Chief Deputy Russell Blenk announced that Crumbley will face criminal charges, including second-degree homicide by vehicle and failure to yield while turning left. Under Georgia law, these are misdemeanor charges.
Coroner Harrison expressed his heartbreak, noting the Abbots were well-known and had lived in the area for decades. “This is a difficult situation for everyone involved,” Harrison said. “Our thoughts are with their loved ones.” Neighbors remembered the couple as kind and inseparable, often seen together at church and local volunteer events.
The investigation by the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office and Georgia State Patrol continues, focusing on the final moments leading to the crash. As the community grieves, the intersection where two lives were lost serves as a somber reminder of the critical need for driver caution.