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Man killed in Monday car crash

By LEE WILLIAMS
lwilliams@TheCitizenNews.com

Alcohol use is being blamed on yet another accident that claimed the life of a 56-year-old Palmetto man Monday afternoon, authorities say.

John Weathers, the driver of a 1990 Acura Integra, was traveling southbound on Tyrone Road, when he crossed the centerline and struck an oncoming utility truck head-on, said Capt. Bryan Woodie of the Fayette County Sheriff’s Department Traffic Enforcement Division.

The utility truck was driven by Billy Edward LePard, 53, of Carrollton, Woodie added. LePard was traveling north on Tyrone Road at the time of the collision.

Weathers sustained severe injuries in the two-vehicle collision that occurred near Ga. Highway 54 West, about 3 miles west of Fayetteville. Weathers died at the scene, Woodie said.

“Mr. Weathers, who was not wearing a seat belt and operating the Acura Integra while his driver’s license was suspended, is believed to have been under the influence of an alcoholic beverage at the time of the collision,” Woodie said.

Lepard, an employee of the Mount Airy, N.C.-based Pike Electric Inc., was wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash and was not injured, Woodie said.

The collision disrupted evening rush hour traffic for at least 30 minutes Monday as emergency crews responded to help clear the wreckage.

The investigation continues. However, no charges are expected to be filed in the case, Woodie said.

Monday’s collision marks the third traffic-related fatality in the last 30 days, officials say.