In the early hours of a Saturday morning, a heart-wrenching incident took place in Dodge County on Georgia Highway 165 near Yawn Lane. A 29-year-old man, Jamarius Raekwon Black from Chauncey, was behind the wheel of a Kia Cadenza. As he was making a turn, tragedy struck as he drove off the road and collided with a tree in the driver's side headlight area. The accident occurred around 7:15 a.m., leaving the community in shock.

Details of the Crash

The Georgia State Patrol arrived on the scene to find severe damage to the vehicle. Jamarius Black was pronounced dead by the Dodge County Coroner Joe Smith. At present, the coroner's office is conducting a toxicology report and waiting for the results to shed light on what exactly led to this tragic event.During the Thanksgiving travel period, this is the second car crash death in Central Georgia. Statewide, 17 people have lost their lives on the roads as of Monday morning, with two of those fatalities occurring in Central Georgia. Just on Thanksgiving morning, 40-year-old Decarlos Sheppard died in a Lamar County crash after seemingly falling asleep at the wheel.

More Than A Number Initiative

More Than A Number is a remarkable Poynter-Stand Together award-winning project designed by Justin Baxley. This initiative aims to provide a less intrusive way for families of loved ones affected by tragedy and trauma to interact with journalists. Families can fill out a form about their family and receive an in-depth guide on the next steps. It officially launched in August 2023 with a streaming special available on 13WMAZ+. For any queries or concerns regarding More Than A Number, families can reach out at MoreThanANumber@13wmaz.com.This project serves as a vital support system during difficult times, offering a glimmer of hope and assistance to those in need. It shows the importance of such initiatives in helping families navigate through the aftermath of such tragic events.

Impact on the Community

Such a tragic event has a profound impact on the local community. It leaves a void in the lives of those who knew Jamarius Black and serves as a reminder of the fragility of life. The community comes together to offer support and condolences to the family during this difficult time. It also prompts discussions about road safety and the need for increased awareness and precautions on the roads.The occurrence of multiple fatal crashes during the Thanksgiving travel period highlights the importance of being vigilant while on the road. It serves as a call to action for both drivers and authorities to work together to prevent such tragedies from happening in the future.