According to Emerson Police reports, the crash occurred on November 3, 2021, at approximately 7:38 p.m. A Chrysler 300 driven by 79-year-old Joan Terrell of Rome was traveling north on I-75 just north of Red Top Mountain Road. The vehicle left the west side of the roadway for unknown reasons and crossed over the median into the southbound lanes. The Chrysler struck a 2021 Audi Q7 driven by 54-year-old Shaley Tran of Valdosta.
Another vehicle involved in the crash received minor damage. A 2013 Toyota RAV4 driven by 32-year-old Lucas Felak of Atlanta was traveling in the southbound lane; the Toyota was struck by debris from the collision. Terrell died at the scene. Fifty-four-year-old, Hai Tran a passenger in the Audi was transported by EMS to Kennestone Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.