Life Claimed in Wheeler County Wreck

A single car accident in Wheeler County claimed the life of Zachary LaDon Connell, 23, at 9:20 p.m. on Friday night, November 18.

Connell was traveling east on Georgia Highway 30 when he ran off the roadway into the right shoulder of the road while attempting to negotiate a curve around half a mile east of Still Road. After running off the road, the vehicle struck a culvert 194 feet from the roadway, before traveling another 391 feet until it struck a tree with its front bumper. This impact then forced the car into rotation, as it spun counter-clockwise, striking several more trees until reaching a final uncontrolled rest in the tree line on the south shoulder of the highway, at which point it caught fire and became fully engulfed in flames.

During the chaos, the driver was ejected from the vehicle and thrown 18 feet. He was pronounced dead at the scene by officials.

The Georgia State Patrol investigated the accident and determined the cause of death to be driving too fast for conditions and loss of control of the vehicle.

Connell leaves behind his daughter Kensliegh Connell, mother Robin Jacqueline Connell, father Claude LaDon Connell, and several siblings, nephews, aunts, uncles, and more.

A memorial service was held for Connell on Monday, November 21, at Snowhill Community Church.