Tragic Night in Burke County Claims Two Lives
A devastating accident in Burke County has left two families grieving the sudden loss of their loved ones. On Wednesday evening, Russell Findley, 49, of Hephzibah, and Gabriel Bobbitt, 31, of Ball Ground, Georgia, were killed in a violent single-vehicle crash on the 800 block of Hancock Landing Road. The Burke County Sheriff’s Office responded to the scene around 7:40 p.m., but tragically, neither man survived.
According to preliminary reports, the vehicle was traveling southbound at a dangerously high speed when the driver failed to navigate a curve. In mere seconds, the car careened off the road and into a culvert on the west shoulder. The impact sent the vehicle flipping and rolling multiple times, tearing apart what should have been an ordinary evening drive. By the time first responders arrived, it was clear that the crash had been catastrophic.
Violent Rollover Leaves Community in Shock
The details released by investigators paint a heartbreaking picture. The violent series of flips left the vehicle mangled beyond recognition, a stark reminder of how unforgiving high-speed accidents can be. Sheriff Alfonzo Williams confirmed the identities of the victims and expressed his condolences: “Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of those who perished in this tragic incident.”
Neighbors along Hancock Landing Road described hearing a thunderous crash followed by silence. Some rushed to the scene before emergency services arrived, but the wreckage was so severe that there was little anyone could do. The crash site remains marked by deep tire tracks and shattered glass, physical reminders of a split second that changed everything.
Remembering Russell Findley and Gabriel Bobbitt
Russell Findley was known in his community for his hardworking nature and warm presence. Friends say he had a knack for making people feel at ease, whether at work or at neighborhood gatherings. Gabriel Bobbitt, younger but equally beloved, was remembered for his adventurous spirit and deep love for family. Their untimely deaths have left an aching void in the hearts of those who knew them.
In Burke County and beyond, this tragedy serves as a painful reminder of the importance of road safety. Speed, though thrilling for some, can turn deadly in an instant. As loved ones mourn, there is a growing call for drivers to take extra caution, especially on rural roads with sharp curves and unpredictable terrain.
For the families of Russell Findley and Gabriel Bobbitt, there are no easy answers — only memories to hold onto and the hope that others will learn from this heartbreaking loss. In the days ahead, the community will come together to support the grieving, offering comfort in the face of unimaginable pain.
