Police Identify Pedestrian Killed On I-75

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CARTERSVILLE, GA -- The woman who was found dead last month along Interstate 75 in Bartow County has been identified.

"Positive confirmation" through dental records have identified the victim as Sheila McAlexander, 55, of Powder Springs, Cartersville police spokesperson Lt. Mike Bettikofer said.

McAlexander's family members have been informed of the identification, he added.

"The investigation into the circumstances of the incident are still underway," he said. "The Cartersville Police Department offer the McAlexander family our condolences in this difficult time."

McAlexnader was fatally hit by a vehicle, and found dead on the northbound side about a half-mile south of the S.R. 113/Main Street interchange.

According to the accident report, a vehicle was traveling on the northbound side of the interstate when the pedestrian "appeared to have walked up the embankment from Old River Road to the northbound side and entered the roadway near the bridge abutment."

The report also states the woman walked into the travel lane and was hit by the vehicle, "which did not stop to render aid and fled the scene." The accident was reported at 11:07 p.m., and police arrived on the scene around 11:15 p.m.

The pedestrian was dragged roughly 137 feet from the point of impact to where the body was discovered, the report notes.

Funeral services for McAlexander were scheduled to take place on Wednesday, April 6, according to an obituary.

She was preceded in death by her daughter, Kristi McAlexander. Survivors include spouse, James "Jamie" McAlexander of Powder Springs; son, removed; parents, Jerry and Juanita Freeland of Acworth; sister, Sheree (Rodney) Davis of Marietta; brothers, Anthony (Arlene) Freeland of Marietta and Alan (Susan) Freeland of Marietta; one grandchild and nieces and nephews.

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