Motorcyclist dies after colliding with drunk-driver’s truck in downtown Athens

Stephen Michael Ford

By Joe Johnson

A 38-year-old Athens woman died early Sunday after her motorcycle collided with a pickup truck driven by an alleged drunk driver.

Jennifer Lindsey McKillup of Plantation Drive was driving a motorcycle when she crashed into the truck when it made an illegal turn in front of her at the intersection of North Thomas Street and East Hancock Avenue.

The pickup’s driver, 21-year-old Stephen Michael Ford of Nowhere Road, was arrested and charged with first-degree homicide by vehicle, DUI, and failure to yield when turning left.

His total bail was set at $25,000, and the jail’s website indicated on Monday afternoon that bonds had been posted.