Athens man killed in fiery eastside crash

By Joe Johnson

A 36-year-old Athens man was killed Christmas morning when his car crashed and burst into flames at an eastside intersection.

Police are withholding the victim’s name pending positive identification by his next of kin.

The incident happened shortly before 6 a.m. at the intersection of Barnett Shoals and Gaines School roads.

According to police, the car had sped into the intersection and struck a tree in the parking lot of Synovus Bank, where the vehicle became engulfed in flames.

The driver died at the scene, according to police.

This is the ninth fatality crash, resulting in thirteen deaths in Athens-Clarke County in 2025.

This incident is an active investigation. Anyone with information regarding this case is

encouraged to contact Officer First Class Sartain at Adam.Sartain@accgov.com or

762-400-7040.