The Georgia State Patrol has released preliminary findings into a fatal single-vehicle rollover crash that killed a Toccoa man Sunday night.
Michael Ray Wallen, 62, died in the wreck. A female passenger suffered serious injuries, according to Stephens County Chief Deputy Coroner Lee Woody.
The crash happened around 8:48 p.m. on July 27 along Oak Valley Road near Abbey Lane, east of Toccoa. Troopers say Wallen was driving a 2013 Chevrolet Avalanche eastbound when he failed to maintain his lane while navigating a downhill curve. The vehicle ran off the shoulder, struck several trees, and overturned before coming to rest on its roof.
Wallen, who was not wearing a seatbelt, was ejected from the vehicle and pronounced dead at the scene. The passenger was airlifted to the trauma unit at Northeast Georgia Medical Center in Gainesville. The State Patrol identified her as 68-year-old Pamela Ann McCaughey of Toccoa.
The Stephens County Coroner’s Office and local first responders assisted at the scene. The Georgia State Patrol’s Specialized Collision Reconstruction Team (SCRT-B) also responded. Troopers say impairment is suspected.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and friends affected by this tragic accident,” said Woody.
Oak Valley Road was closed for more than three hours as troopers investigated the accident and crews cleared the wreckage.
