ICYMI: Smyrna Man Likely to Avoid Charges in Fatal Accident

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A Smyrna man will likely avoid charges for his role in a fatal automobile accident on Windy Hill Road last week, according to police.

Juan Ortega Fernandez, 44, was driving a 2004 blue Dodge Ram with a utility trailer on eastbound Windy Hill Road near Bouldercrest Drive at approximately 3 p.m. on April 7 when the driver of a green 1994 Oldsmobile Cutlass attempted to turn left from the westbound lanes of Windy Hill Road into a Food Depot parking lot, police spokesman Dana Pierce said. Fernandez’s front side struck the passenger side of the Oldsmobile.

The passenger in the Oldsmobile, 60-year-old Deborah D. Hayles, was rushed to Wellstar Kennestone Hospital but died from her injuries, Pierce said. The driver of the Oldsmobile, who was also taken to the hospital, was identified as 72-year-old Louis E. Hayles of Marietta.

Fernandez did not require medical attention, Pierce said.

Anyone who has further information on this accident is asked to contact Cobb County police at (770) 499-3987.

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