A fatal car crash in Cobb County, east of Marietta, claimed the lives of two teens on February 3, 2013, around 3:00 a.m. This Sunday morning crash on Sandy Plains Road and Kinjac Drive involved Stephen Nolasco, 19, and Matt Bennett, 18.
According to police, Nolasco was driving a 2001 silver Volvo northbound on Sandy Plains Road, and Bennett—his best friend—was the front seat passenger. Investigators believe that Nolasco was driving at a high rate of speed, which led to him losing control of his car. Once he lost control of the vehicle, the car crossed into southbound lanes and plowed into a large brick column at Kinjac Drive, and the vehicle caught on fire. Sadly, Nolasco and Bennett, both residents of Marietta, died in this fiery crash.
Their death has left this Georgia community grieving their loss. Many people in the community visited the accident scene and cried as they saw the smashed sign and charred car parts. At a vigil, the crowd hugged each other and held candles offering their condolences and support to the Nolasco and Bennett families.
Friends of the teens that died said that they were headed home from a party and were within a half-mile of the home when they crashed. Friends also told authorities that the two were inseparable, as they played soccer and baseball together and they both went to Georgia Perimeter College after graduating from Sprayberry High School.
The crash remains under investigation by the Cobb County Police who are trying to determine what led Nolasco to lose control of the vehicle.
Shane Smith Law is saddened to hear of this tragic crash and extends our deepest condolences to the families and friends who are mourning their loved ones.