GORDON COUNTY – Authorities have identified the man killed in a fiery crash on Highway 53 West over the weekend.
Gordon County Coroner Nick Blalock confirmed that Donald Brandon Franks, 49, of Lookout Mountain, Georgia, died in a head-on collision on Saturday, August 23, 2025.
“The Gordon County Coroner’s Office confirms that Donald Brandon Franks succumbed to injuries received in a head-on collision on Highway 53,” Blalock said. “Our office continues to support the family of Mr. Franks and the Georgia State Patrol with their investigation.”
As previously reported, the crash occurred shortly after 2:30 p.m. when Gordon County deputies attempted to stop a black Mercedes traveling at a high rate of speed. The driver fled, and the Georgia State Patrol was called in to assist.
Investigators say the suspect attempted to turn onto GA 53 Spur at the South Calhoun Bypass but lost control, crossing a median and entering the westbound lanes while traveling eastbound. Moments later, the Mercedes collided head-on with a Honda CR-V at the intersection of Reeves Station Road.
The impact caused both vehicles to catch fire. Deputies and troopers at the scene worked quickly to pull the victims from the burning Honda and remove the suspect from the Mercedes.
The 35-year-old driver of the Honda CR-V and her 9-year-old son were airlifted by Life Force to a medical center with serious injuries. Franks, who was a passenger in the Honda, was pronounced dead at the scene.
The suspect, whose name has not yet been released, was also flown to a local hospital with serious injuries.
The Georgia State Patrol is continuing its investigation into the incident.
