An investigation has determined that alcohol was a factor in a crash that killed an Atlanta public works employee over the weekend.

Derryl Simmons, 54, of Decatur died Saturday when a garbage truck in which he was riding overturned while exiting I-75 southbound at the Cleveland Avenue off ramp, police said.

Another worker remains in Grady Memorial Hospital.

“Saturday’s fatal car crash involving employees of the Department of Public Works was a horrible tragedy that has deeply affected our workforce,” said Carlos Campos, interim director of communications for Mayor Kasim Reed. “A criminal investigation has determined that alcohol was a factor in the incident.”

An internal investigation is being conducted and appropriate action will be taken, he said.

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Fulton DA Fani Willis (center) with Nathan J. Wade (right), the special prosecutor she hired to manage the Trump case and had a romantic relationship with, at a news conference announcing charges against President-elect Donald Trump and others in Atlanta, Aug. 14, 2023. Georgia’s Supreme Court on Tuesday, Sept. 16, 2025, upheld an appeals court's decision to disqualify Willis from the election interference case against Trump and his allies. (Kenny Holston/New York Times)

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