Accused drunk driver plows through crosswalk, killing high school student, police say
A Georgia teen has died days after police said a suspected drunk driver hit her as she crossed the street.
Jerome Cox, 68, of Powder Springs faces multiple charges, including vehicular homicide, in connection with the Dec. 8 crash in Kennesaw, according to the Cobb County Police Department. It happened at about 8:20 p.m. along Ben King Road.
Investigators said Cox was driving red GMC Acadia and was approaching a crosswalk. He had a passenger with him at the time, police said.
A group of teens was crossing the street in a marked crosswalk when Cox’s SUV struck one of them, launching the teen into a wooded area, according to authorities.
The injured girl, identified as 17-year-old Olivia Pugh, was taken to a hospital in critical condition and later died from her injuries Sunday, Dec. 10, police said.
Cobb County Schools officials confirmed Pugh was a student at Harrison High School in Kennesaw.
“Our hearts are heavy, and we will keep Olivia’s family, friends, and entire Harrison community in our thoughts, knowing the loss will be felt even more this holiday season,” a district spokesperson told McClatchy News.
Loved ones remembered Pugh’s bubbly personality, saying she was “a perfect mix of kindness, dedication, silliness and forgiveness,” according to an online obituary.
“Quick with a smile or a kind word, her calming presence was cherished by us,” family members wrote. “With Olivia close by, you knew a laugh was also soon to be found. She found joy in the small things and shared it with anyone she could.”
After the crash, Cox acknowledged drinking “3 beers while at a Christmas party” earlier that evening, according to an arrest warrant. Officers also said he had “bloodshot and watery eyes” and refused a breathalyzer test.
Cox was arrested and charged with driving under the influence, obstruction, failure to yield to a pedestrian and serious injury by vehicle, police said in a news release.
He was later charged with vehicular homicide and remained in custody at the Cobb County jail without bond as of Dec. 13, online records show.
Kennesaw is about 30 miles northwest of downtown Atlanta.
This story was originally published December 13, 2023 at 12:12 PM with the headline "Accused drunk driver plows through crosswalk, killing high school student, police say."