Georgia teen killed in ATV accident

May 12, 2017

CAIRO Ga., -- Many people in Cairo, Ga had one thing to say following Erica Atkinson's death, and that's it’s a true loss for the entire community.

"It’s a shock to anyone that had to find out. It’s just heart breaking, and you just don’t want to believe it," Brandie said.

Brandie Turner held back tears, as she explained that even days later it's hard to believe she's gone. 19-year-old Erica Atkinson died Wednesday night, after losing control of the ATV she was driving. Many now remembering her as a person everyone loved being around.

"She was perfect. She was precious in every way. She had a heart of gold and touched so many lives. I was just very fortunate to know her," said Brandie.

Luckily Brandie wasn’t the only one to get that chance. Erica was a cheerleading coach at the Grady County Recreation Center, she was a role model, and friend to more than one hundred young girls.

"The kids loved her, and she loved them. You couldn't ask for a better coach. She mentored the students, and she was just a great impact for those kids and a positive influence for their life," Brandie said.

This is the second deadly crash in the last two months in South Georgia. Authorities explained that as the temperatures warm up, and more people are outside; it’s crucial to know just how dangerous ATV’s can be

"These are more car like type vehicles, and people don’t wear their safety equipment like they would in a regular four wheeler. They take it for granted, because there is some type of roll cage and some type of protection there,” said Lt. Tim Watkins, Thomas Co Sheriff’s Office.

Protection that isn't always enough. Now an entire community is left trying to fill a void, missing a young life taken too soon.

Authorities are still investigating that crash happened. However they do say, they believe alcohol was involved. Four other people were on that ATV at the time of the crash. Two others were taken to the hospital.

May 12, 2017

BOSTON, Ga. (WCTV) -- A Georgia teen has died after being involved in an ATV crash in Thomas County.

According to authorities, the crash happened just before midnight on Wednesday near Old Highway 84 in Boston, Georgia.

Officials say 19 -year-old Erica Atkinson, of Cairo, lost control of the ATV she was driving and was thrown from the vehicle.

Atkinson was taken to Archbold Memorial Hospital where she later died.

No further details are available at this time.