A GoFundMe has been created to support the Franks family after a tragic crash on Saturday, August 23, 2025, on Hwy. 53 in Calhoun.
According to authorities, Gordon County Deputies were involved in a pursuit that afternoon and requested assistance from the Georgia State Patrol. A black Mercedes was fleeing at a high rate of speed on Hwy. 53. As the pursuit reached the T-intersection of GA 53 (S. Calhoun Bypass) and GA 53 Spur, the suspect attempted to turn but was traveling too fast to negotiate the curve. The vehicle crossed the grass median into the westbound lanes of GA 53 Spur, narrowly missing responding Troopers, and continued driving east in the wrong direction. Moments later, the suspect’s vehicle struck a Honda CR-V head-on at the intersection of Reeves Station Road.
The Gordon County Coroner’s Office confirmed that 49-year-old Donald Brandon Franks of Lookout Mountain, Georgia, died from injuries sustained in the collision. His wife and son remain hospitalized with severe injuries.
Loved ones have launched a GoFundMe to help cover medical expenses, daily needs, and ongoing support for the family.
Donations can be made at: https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-for-brandon-franks-family-in-tragedy
