A Cherokee County man was killed early Wednesday when his Jeep Cherokee rolled down a 200-foot embankment, ejecting him, the sheriff’s office said.
James Padgett Jr., 28, of Ball Ground, was driving about 2:30 a.m. when the Jeep was on steep trails in the McGraw Ford Wildlife Management Area, off Ga. 372 near Ball Ground, according to Lt. Jay Baker. Two family members were passengers inside the SUV.
When the Jeep stalled on a hill, the two family members got out of the vehicle, Baker said. Padgett was able to restart the SUV and headed back up the hill, according to investigators.
“While trying to get momentum going up the hill, the vehicle slid sideways and careened down a 200-foot embankment,” Baker said in an emailed statement. “Padgett was ejected from the vehicle.”
Padgett was flown to Grady Memorial Hospital, where he died from his injuries, Baker said. The two family members were not injured.
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