Atlanta Traffic

3 women killed after crashing into tractor-trailer on I-85 in Midtown

The wreck shut down the northbound lanes of I-85 for more than three hours Friday morning and caused major hang-ups on every other downtown Atlanta interstate.
The wreck shut down the northbound lanes of I-85 for more than three hours Friday morning and caused major hang-ups on every other downtown Atlanta interstate.
By Chelsea Prince
Updated March 4, 2022

Three women were killed Friday morning when their vehicle slammed into the back of a tractor-trailer on I-85 in Midtown, Atlanta police said.

Authorities shut down the northbound lanes for more than three hours while they investigated, resulting in major morning hang-ups on I-85 and every other interstate that crosses through the heart of the city.

Atlanta police responded to the crash scene just north of the Buford Spring Connector at about 3:45 a.m. The three occupants of the passenger vehicle were dead at the scene, according to police spokesman Officer Steve Avery.

They were identified by the Fulton County Medical Examiner’s Office as Mercedes Ammamoo, 26, of Austell; Alyeshia Walton, 29, of Norcross; and Shavon McDavid, 36, of Shreveport, Louisiana.

The driver of the tractor-trailer was not injured.

Authorities work the scene of a deadly crash that involved a tractor-trailer Friday morning on I-85 North in Midtown. Three people in a passenger vehicle were killed, Atlanta police said.
Authorities work the scene of a deadly crash that involved a tractor-trailer Friday morning on I-85 North in Midtown. Three people in a passenger vehicle were killed, Atlanta police said.

“The accident investigation unit responded and began working to determine the cause of the crash,” Avery said in a statement. “A determination on charges in the crash has not been made and the investigation is continuing.”

The northbound lanes did not reopen until 7:25 a.m., according to the WSB 24-hour Traffic Center. During the shutdown, drivers leaving downtown were being forced off the Downtown Connector onto I-75, and there was no access to I-85 North from I-75 South.

All northbound lanes of I-85 were closed for more than three hours Friday while authorities worked the scene of a deadly crash.
All northbound lanes of I-85 were closed for more than three hours Friday while authorities worked the scene of a deadly crash.

— Please return to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution for updates.

About the Author

Chelsea Prince is reporter and coach on the breaking news team.

More Stories