Georgia State Patrol on Monday released additional information regarding a crash that resulted in the death of pedestrian.
Investigators say around 2am last Tuesday morning, 44-year old Travis Russell of Atlanta was “leaning down” in a northbound lane of Highway 61 near Mimosa Road, when he was struck by an oncoming 2001 Ford Ranger.
The 62-year old driver told investigators that he was traveling to work and it appeared that Russell was leaning down to get something from a plastic bag he was carrying. The driver claimed he did not see the pedestrian until it was too late.
A witness told investigators that he had encountered a man earlier in the morning – who turned out to be Russell – on the east shoulder on the northbound side near where the crash occurred. The witness alleged that Russell attempted to jump in front of his vehicle.
Prior to that incident, Carroll County Deputies said they had received multiple calls about a male who had been at Tanner Villa Rica Hospital that day and was upset when he was not provided a room to stay the night. Authorities believed the man was Russell, and they say after he left the hospital, deputies received a call from a taxi driver that Russell had allegedly tried to use illegal drugs while getting a ride. Russell was not allowed to get back in the taxi and was told to find another means of transportation.
Russell then reportedly went to a gas station asking for someone to call EMS to evaluate a gunshot wound that he had from back in 2001. Russell refused to be transported by Carroll County Deputies.
The driver of the Ford provided a blood sample to investigators. Test results for alcohol and drugs are pending, according to the GSP report.
Family members and friends of Russell have posted to the WLBB Facebook page that he leaves behind a wife and eight children.
