Atlanta, GA, December 26, 2025
News Summary
Atlanta is experiencing severe traffic issues following multiple pedestrian fatalities occurring within hours of each other. Investigations are underway for a fatal hit-and-run and another incident involving an off-duty officer. The incidents have raised concerns about pedestrian safety in urban areas.
Atlanta is facing significant traffic disruptions following multiple fatal pedestrian accidents that occurred within a span of hours, leading to investigations by local law enforcement agencies.
The Georgia State Patrol (GSP) reported a fatal accident involving a pedestrian on the I-75/I-85 southbound connector near Ralph David Abernathy Blvd at around 8:00 p.m. on a recent evening. Investigations revealed that a person entered the southbound lanes and was struck by a silver Honda Civic. The impact resulted in fatal injuries for the pedestrian. Fortunately, the driver of the Honda Civic remained at the scene and suffered only minor injuries. Traffic on the highway experienced severe delays as all six lanes, except for the HOV lane, were shut down due to the accident. The GSP is currently collaborating with the Specialized Collision Reconstruction Team for the investigation. The identity of the pedestrian has not yet been released, and it remains unclear whether the driver will face any charges.
In a separate incident occurring around 4 a.m. on the same evening, an unidentified pedestrian died in a hit-and-run crash on Peachtree Road. Police discovered the injured pedestrian, who sadly passed away before reaching Grady Memorial Hospital. Investigators reported that the victim was lying in the road when they were struck by a Nissan Maxima, whose driver fled the scene following the incident. The driver abandoned the vehicle in a nearby parking lot and escaped the area with a female passenger. Law enforcement is actively seeking information from the public regarding this hit-and-run incident.
Additionally, just before 9 p.m., an off-duty DeKalb County police officer struck and killed a pedestrian on the I-75 northwest corridor. Details regarding why the pedestrian was present on the interstate at that time are unclear. Cobb County Police are leading the investigation into this incident and are appealing for anyone with information to come forward.
These tragic incidents highlight the dangers faced by pedestrians in urban settings and the urgent need for heightened safety measures on roadways. Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding these accidents as they strive to prevent further tragedies.
FAQ
What happened in the fatal pedestrian accident on the I-75/I-85 Southbound Connector?
A fatal accident involving a pedestrian occurred on the I-75/I-85 southbound connector near Ralph David Abernathy Blvd. Investigations revealed that a person entered the southbound lanes and was struck by a silver Honda Civic.
What is known about the hit-and-run crash on Peachtree Road?
An unidentified pedestrian died in a hit-and-run crash on Peachtree Road around 4 a.m. Police found the injured pedestrian who died before reaching Grady Memorial Hospital. The victim was lying in the road when hit by a Nissan Maxima, whose driver fled the scene.
What details are available about the incident involving the DeKalb County police officer?
An off-duty DeKalb County police officer struck and killed a pedestrian on the I-75 northwest corridor shortly before 9 p.m. It remains unclear why the pedestrian was walking on the interstate.
Key Features of the Recent Pedestrian Accidents
| Incident Type | Location | Time | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fatal Accident | I-75/I-85 Southbound Connector | 8:00 p.m. | Pedestrian fatally wounded |
| Hit-and-Run Crash | Peachtree Road | 4:00 a.m. | Pedestrian died before reaching hospital |
| Officer-Involved Incident | I-75 Northwest Corridor | 9:00 p.m. | Pedestrian struck and killed |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Pedestrian Fatally Struck on Downtown Connector in Atlanta
Authorities Warn of Dangerous Holiday Travel in Atlanta
Atlanta’s Construction Projects Amid FIFA World Cup Preparations
Tragic Accident Claims Life of Teenage Motorcyclist in Atlanta
Homicide Charges Filed in Fatal Atlanta Car Crash
Brookhaven Police Crack Down on Illegal Stunt Driving
Man Struck and Killed by Train in Atlanta’s Lindbergh Neighborhood
Fatal Train Incident and Injuries Reported in Atlanta
Tragic Train Accident in Northeast Atlanta
Hutchison Elementary Student Struck by Vehicle
Additional Resources
- 11Alive
- Wikipedia: Pedestrian safety
- Atlanta News First
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Traffic safety
- WSB Radio
- Google Search: pedestrian accidents atlanta

Author: STAFF HERE ATLANTA WRITER
The ATLANTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAtlanta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Atlanta, Fulton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as vibrant music festivals like Shaky Knees and Music Midtown, major cultural celebrations including Dragon Con and the Atlanta Film Festival, and iconic sporting events like the Peachtree Road Race. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce and the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, beverages, and retail that power the local economy such as Delta Air Lines, The Coca-Cola Company, and The Home Depot. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAugusta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.



