CLARKESVILLE, Ga. — The Georgia State Patrol has released new details about the death of 30-year-old Buddy Lee Fairchild on a Habersham County road early Saturday morning.
The incident occurred around 12:50 a.m. Sept. 12 on Tom Born Road, just north of Gibson Road near U.S. 441/GA 15.
According to GSP’s preliminary investigation, 24-year-old Michael Dorsey of Clarkesville was driving a Chevrolet Silverado south on Tom Born Road when he encountered Fairchild sitting or lying in the travel lane. Two trash bags containing Fairchild’s belongings were beside him.
Dorsey told troopers he was unable to see or avoid Fairchild. The pickup struck Fairchild and traveled over him. Dorsey told E-911 dispatchers that once he realized he had struck someone, he returned to check on the man and found him unresponsive.
Fairchild was pronounced dead at the scene.
GSP listed Fairchild as a Clayton resident. Habersham County Coroner Kasey McEntire previously said Fairchild’s last known address was in Mountain City, although he had recently been staying in Habersham County.
Investigation continues
McEntire said authorities have not determined whether Fairchild was alive before the pickup struck him. His body was sent to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation Crime Lab for an autopsy to determine the cause and manner of death.
GSP continues to investigate the crash.
The incident occurred hours after a woman was struck and injured by an SUV on Talmadge Drive in Hollywood while reportedly walking her dogs.
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