Arrest Made in Traffic Collision Resulting in Fatality

On July 21nd, 2011, the investigation into the fatal vehicle collision that occurred on February 9th, 2011 at Hwy 74 and Aberdeen Parkway, Peachtree City, GA concluded with the arrest of SAMPLES, GENE LEE (40 years of age) of Kilough Church Rd, Dawsonville, GA. SAMPLES is charged with HOMICIDE BY VEHICLE IN THE SECOND DEGREE, DRIVING ON THE WRONG SIDE OF THE ROAD, AND FAILURE TO MAINTAIN LANE.

The investigation revealed that the vehicle collisions occurred when SAMPLES failed to maintain his vehicle in the correct lane, and it drifted into the opposing lanes of on coming traffic. SAMPLES’ vehicle side swiped the vehicle being operated by Mr. Davison, and then had a head on collision with the vehicle being driven by Mr. McGhee. The head on impact from these two vehicles caused a secondary collision with the vehicle that Mrs. Lewis was driving. Mr. Thomas McGhee was pronounced deceased at the scene of the collision. Mrs. Lewis sustained injuries in the collision and was treated by hospital staff at the Atlanta Medical Center. She was later cleared by medical personnel and released. Mr. Davison was released from the scene that date.

Original Release – sent February 9, 2011
On February 9th, 2011 at approximately 8:10 a.m., officers responded to a motor vehicle collision at the intersection of Hwy 74 and Aberdeen Parkway, Peachtree City, GA. A preliminary investigation revealed that Mr. Gene Samples, 40 years of age, of Dawsonville, GA was traveling northbound on Hwy 74; Mr. Arthur Davison, 52 years of age, of Tyrone, GA was traveling southbound on Hwy 74 preparing to turn left onto Aberdeen Parkway; Mr. Thomas McGhee, 37 years of age, of East Point, GA was traveling southbound on Hwy 74, and Ms. Michelle Lewis, 38 years of age, was also traveling southbound on Hwy 74. A vehicle collision occurred. Ms. Michelle Lewis was transported by ambulance to the Atlanta Medical Center where she is listed in stable condition. Mr. Thomas McGhee was pronounced deceased at the scene of the collision. Ongoing investigation is being conducted by the department’s Community Response Team, who specializes in collision reconstruction.