Missing Alpharetta Teen Hit, Killed By Tractor Trailer

STEPHENS COUNTY , GA -- An Alpharetta teenager who was reported missing earlier this week by his family was hit and killed by a tractor trailer in northeast Georgia. The Georgia State Patrol is investigating the collision, which was reported around 7:53 p.m. Oct. 2 in Stephens County, which is home to Toccoa.

According to an accident report released by the agency, Ethan Lee Matthews, 17, was walking along S.R. 17 just south of its intersection with S.R. 328 in Martin when he hit by a tractor trailer early Monday evening.

The report indicates that Matthews, who was wearing dark clothing, "dove" into the path of the tractor trailer at the last second from the right shoulder of the highway (SIGN UP: Get Patch's Daily Newsletter and Real Time News Alerts. Or, if you have an iPhone, download the free Patch app).

The 2015 Volvo tractor trailer, driven by 57-year-old Keith Inman of Rockingham, North Carolina, sustained "moderate, front-end" damage due to the collision.

The Alpharetta Department of Public Safety, which had been investigating Matthews' disappearance, said it appreciated the support and help of the community in its efforts to locate the teenager.

"Sadly, this did not turn out as we had hoped," the agency added on its Facebook page. "Our hearts go out to his family and friends. We do not have anything further to release. Please respect the family and keep them in your thoughts and prayers."

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Image via Alpharetta Department of Public Safety