Cleveland, Georgia – On Thursday morning, October 16, 2025, a tragic head-on collision on Cleveland Highway claimed the life of a 31-year-old Lakemont man. The incident occurred near Clarks Bridge Road, involving a Ford Explorer and a GMC Sierra. The driver of the Explorer, a 27-year-old Gainesville woman, was arrested and charged with vehicular homicide.

According to the White County Sheriff’s Office, the crash took place around 8:00 a.m. when the GMC Sierra, driven by a 38-year-old woman from Gainesville, veered into the path of the oncoming Ford Explorer. The collision was severe, resulting in the immediate death of the Lakemont man, who was a passenger in the Explorer.

Emergency responders arrived promptly at the scene, where they found the victim trapped in the wreckage. Firefighters had to extricate him before he could be transported to Northeast Georgia Medical Center in Gainesville. Despite efforts to save him, he was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.

The driver of the Explorer and the other passenger sustained non-life-threatening injuries. They were also taken to the medical center for treatment. The driver of the GMC Sierra was uninjured but was arrested at the scene. She faces charges of vehicular homicide, and further investigations are ongoing to determine the cause of the crash.

Authorities believe that the driver of the GMC Sierra fell asleep at the wheel, leading to the tragic accident. The sheriff’s office is continuing its investigation and has urged anyone with information about the incident to come forward.

The community has been left in shock by the loss, with local residents expressing their condolences and support for the victim’s family. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of driving under fatigue and the importance of road safety.

In response to the crash, local officials are calling for increased awareness and education on safe driving practices. They emphasize the need for drivers to be vigilant and well-rested to prevent such tragedies in the future.

As the investigation continues, the White County Sheriff’s Office is committed to uncovering all the facts surrounding the incident. They are working closely with other agencies to ensure a thorough and fair process. The community remains hopeful that lessons learned from this tragedy will lead to safer roads for all.

The victim’s family has requested privacy during this difficult time. They have expressed gratitude for the support from the community and have asked for continued respect as they mourn their loss. Funeral arrangements are pending, and further details will be shared once they are finalized.

This incident highlights the critical need for drivers to remain alert and responsible behind the wheel. Authorities urge all motorists to take necessary precautions to ensure their safety and the safety of others on the road.