A teen died in a fatal Gwinnett County pedestrian accident on Lawrenceville Highway on Wednesday, January 16, 2013. According to police, the driver involved has now been charged, and the teen has been identified.
Dakota M. Waters, a Lawrenceville teen, and Berkmar High student was struck and killed by a sports utility vehicle (SUV) while trying to cross Lawrenceville Highway between Hamilton Road and James Road. According to Gwinnett County Police, this tragic Georgia pedestrian accident occurred around 7:30 a.m. Wednesday morning, as the teen was attempting to cross a busy street on his way to school. It has been reported that the 17-year-old teen and junior at Berkmar High School was standing in the center lane as an approaching 2007 Land Rover SUV was unable to stop.
Waters was transported to Gwinnett Medical Center in critical condition but later died of his injuries.
The driver involved, 49-year-old Sharon Mitchell-Golden of Stone Mountain, reportedly turned herself in to police. She has been charged in this fatal pedestrian accident with second-degree vehicular homicide, a misdemeanor, and driving more than 300 feet in the center turn lane, according to a release made by GCPD Cpl. Jake Smith.
Police have indicated that rain and low light may have contributed to this fatal crash. A memorial now marks the spot where Dakota Waters was hit. This accident took place yard from where singer and actress Natina Reed was killed while trying to cross the highway in October 2012.
Shane Smith Law would like to extend our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Dakota Waters during this difficult time.