2 Georgia College freshmen from Gwinnett killed, 2 injured in wreck

By Fran Jeffries

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Two Georgia College and State University freshmen from Gwinnett County were killed in a single-car accident and two others were seriously injured in Milledgeville early Thursday morning.

John Harof and Alexander Delor were killed in the accident, according to authorities. Christian Smith and Tyler Zecker were seriously injured. The young men are friends who had graduated from Collins Hill High School last year.

Milledgeville Police Chief Woodrow Blue said the students were on their way back to the Georgia College campus from a Walmart around 1 a.m. when Smith, the driver, lost control of the Mini Cooper. The car went airborne, flipped a couple times and ended up hitting a tree.

Delor and Harof, who were sitting in the back of the car, were extricated by emergency rescue personnel. They died at the scene. Smith and Zecker were first taken to Oconee Medical Center in Milledgeville and then to Medical Center of Georgia in Macon.

Blue said he is unsure if weather conditions contributed to the accident and whether charges will be filed against the driver. He said the accident remains under investigation. He said alcohol was not likely involved.

Georgia College interim president Stas Preczewski issued a statement about the deaths on the college's website.

"The Georgia College community extends our most heart-felt condolences to the family members, friends and associates of our deceased students, freshmen Alex Delor and Johnny Harof. The College will have counselors available to assist any university person or group who wishes assistance."

The college planned to announce a  memorial service for the students later Thursday.

Please check back for updates.