Woodstock High School Student Killed In Cherokee County Crash

BALL GROUND, GA — The Cherokee Sheriff's Office is investigating a fatal, two-vehicle collision reported early Friday morning in the northeast part of the county.

Deputies were dispatched around 7:27 a.m. Friday, Sept. 8 along Ball Ground Highway at its intersection with East Cherokee Drive. A preliminary investigation shows a Buick Lacrosse had been hit by a Kenworth flatbed construction truck, said agency spokesperson Sgt. Marianne Kelley.

That initial investigation indicates the Buick, driven by a 16-year-old Madilyn Phillips, was making a left turn from East Cherokee Drive onto Ball Ground Highway when it was hit by the truck. The truck, driven by 37-year-old Jerymie Thurman of Cartersville, was traveling northbound on Ball Ground Highway when the collision took place (Get Patch's Daily Newsletter and Real Time News Alerts. Or, if you have an iPhone, download the free Patch app).

Kelley said the 16-year-old was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash while Thurman was transported to an area hospital for treatment. The collision remains under investigation by the sheriff's office's Traffic Enforcement Unit.

The Cherokee County School District said grief counselors are on hand at Woodstock High School to help students cope with the sudden loss of one of their classmates.

"We join the Woodstock High School community in mourning the tragic loss of one of its Wolverines," spokesperson Barbara Jacoby said. "We have sent our crisis response team to the school to provide additional counseling and support for students and staff. Please keep the student’s family and the entire Woodstock High School community in your hearts.”

To honor Madilyn, the community is invited to honor the teen by joining those who will "yellow out" at Woodstock High School's football game at 7:30 p.m. Friday, the district added.

Images via Cherokee Sheriff's Office