OCONEE COUNTY, Ga. — An outpouring of community support is growing for a North Georgia family after a crash involving a Northeast Georgia Medical Center ambulance killed a grandfather and seriously injured his teenage grandson.
A Go Fund Me page titled “Support Conner’s Recovery and Papa John’s Memorial” has been created to help cover medical expenses for 17-year-old Connor Lee Schoon and funeral costs for his grandfather, John Carter Martin.
As of Thursday, the campaign had drawn donations and messages of support from the local community, many describing Martin as a devoted grandfather who was always willing to help others and Schoon as a strong young man facing a long recovery.
The fundraiser follows a crash Sunday night along Atlanta Highway in Oconee County that claimed Martin’s life.
According to the Georgia State Patrol, the crash happened around 9:53 p.m. when Martin stopped to help Schoon, whose Toyota Camry had broken down in the westbound lanes.
Martin parked his Ford F-150 in front of the disabled car and was outside assisting when a westbound ambulance struck the rear of the Camry.
The impact pushed the vehicles onto the shoulder and pinned both Martin and Schoon beneath the ambulance, authorities said.
Martin, 66, died at the scene.
Schoon was airlifted to Children’s Hospital of Atlanta with serious injuries, including internal bleeding, a broken clavicle and multiple lacerations. Family members said he underwent emergency surgery and remains hospitalized but is in stable condition.
The crash occurred near the intersection of Atlanta Highway and Whitehead Road. Troopers said weather conditions at the time included rain and fog, which may have limited visibility.
Authorities said the ambulance had a patient on board at the time of the crash. No additional serious injuries related to the ambulance crew or patient have been publicly reported.
The ambulance is part of the Northeast Georgia Health System, which operates a regional network of hospitals and emergency medical services across Northeast Georgia, including Hall, Barrow, Lumpkin, Habersham and surrounding counties.
In a statement, a Northeast Georgia Health System spokesperson said the organization is cooperating fully with investigators and supporting the employees involved.
“Our hearts go out to everyone affected by this tragic accident,” the statement said.
Georgia State Patrol said the investigation remains ongoing, and charges are pending against the ambulance driver. Both the Georgia State Patrol and Northeast Georgia Health System declined further comment until the investigation is complete.
Family members said Martin had stopped to help his grandson and that the vehicles’ hazard lights were activated at the time of the crash.
In the days since, friends, neighbors and even strangers have continued to rally around the family, sharing the fundraiser and offering prayers and encouragement as Schoon continues his recovery.
