Sara Abbott, James Abbott Obituary, Death Cause – Authorities in Putnam County are investigating a tragic crash that claimed the lives of an elderly couple on Wednesday afternoon. The incident happened shortly after 3 p.m. at the intersection of Highway 16, also known as Sparta Highway, and Pea Ridge Road, according to Putnam County Coroner Hollis Harrison.
Preliminary information indicates that a Georgia Power truck, traveling east on Pea Ridge Road, turned in front of a car driven by 81-year-old Sara Abbott, resulting in a collision. Her husband, 83-year-old James Abbott, was seated in the passenger seat at the time. The impact caused severe damage to their vehicle.
Coroner Harrison confirmed that James Abbott passed away at the scene of the crash. Sara Abbott was quickly attended to by emergency personnel and placed in an ambulance with plans for her to be airlifted to a nearby hospital. Sadly, she did not survive her injuries and passed away before she could be flown out for further treatment.
The driver of the Georgia Power truck has been identified as Matthew Crumbley. Sheriff’s Chief Deputy Russell Blenk said that Crumbley will face charges, including second-degree homicide by vehicle and failure to yield while turning left. According to authorities, these charges are classified as misdemeanors under Georgia law.
Crumbley was also taken to a local hospital for medical evaluation following the crash. Officials have not disclosed the extent of his injuries, but he is expected to recover.
Law enforcement officers from the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office, along with emergency medical services and the coroner’s office, responded quickly to the scene. The intersection remained partially closed for several hours as investigators reconstructed the sequence of events leading up to the crash. Traffic was redirected while crews cleared debris and assisted in documenting the site for the ongoing investigation.
Coroner Harrison expressed his condolences to the Abbott family, describing the loss as heartbreaking. He noted that both victims were well known in the community and had lived in the area for many years. “This is a difficult situation for everyone involved,” Harrison said. “Our thoughts are with their loved ones as they navigate this devastating loss.”
Authorities emphasized that while early findings indicate a failure to yield may have caused the collision, a complete investigation is still underway to determine all contributing factors. The Georgia State Patrol and Putnam County Sheriff’s Office are collaborating to review evidence, witness statements, and vehicle data.
Community members in Putnam County have also expressed their sadness over the news. Residents described Sara and James Abbott as a kind and loving couple who often volunteered at church events and local senior programs. “They were always together,” one neighbor shared. “It’s just incredibly sad to hear that their lives ended this way.”
The crash adds to a concerning trend of roadway fatalities in rural parts of Georgia this year. Local authorities continue to remind drivers to remain alert at intersections, especially when making turns, and to always yield the right of way to oncoming vehicles to help prevent future tragedies.
As of now, officials have not announced when formal court proceedings will begin for Crumbley. The Georgia Power Company has been notified and is reportedly cooperating fully with law enforcement as the investigation continues.
This incident remains under active review by the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office and the Georgia State Patrol. Further details, including any updates on charges or findings from the crash reconstruction, will be released as new information becomes available.
