Suspect in chase, fatal crash was wanted in several states

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) - We’re learning more about a crash that killed an innocent driver whose car was struck by a vehicle fleeing deputies Wednesday night – one of three fatal crashes across the CSRA in less than 24 hours.

Ashley Irvin, 33, of Ridge Road, was killed when her car was struck at Gordon Highway and Thomas Lane by a vehicle being driven by Willie Marja Sturdivant, 30, according to the Georgia State Patrol, which is investigating the crash.

Sturdivant – who was wanted on various charges in several states – fled from officers who tried to stop him from a traffic violation.

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The pursuit began late Wednesday afternoon after a Richmond County Sheriff’s Office deputy tried to stop the driver of a blue Nissan Rogue for violating the hands-free law on Olive Road near Cooney Circle, according to GSP, which is investigating the incident.

The vehicle refused to stop, sparking a pursuit, GSP reported.

The vehicle traveled on Olive Road and turned south onto Milledgeville Road before turning west on Gordon Highway.

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The driver failed to stop for a red light on Gordon Highway and Thomas Lane, GSP reported, and the Rogue struck a white Chevrolet Impala that was traveling south on Thomas Lane. The Rogue then struck a blue Dodge Charger that was stopped in the left turn lane traveling east on Gordon Highway.

The crash caused the Rogue to overturn.

Emergency medical crews responded and took all the drivers to Augusta University Medical Center.

The driver of the Rogue and the Charger were treated for injuries that were not life-threatening.

Irvin, the driver of the Impala, succumbed to her injuries at the hospital. According to Coroner Mark Bowen, Irvin was pronounced dead at 6:28 p.m. An autopsy has been scheduled.

The driver of the Rogue, Sturdivant, was taken into custody after being treated and committed to the Charles B. Webster Detention Center.

It was learned that he had several felony warrants from several different states, according to GSP.

Sturdivant was being held Thursday afternoon on a range of charges, including murder, homicide by vehicle, fleeing or attempting to elude a police officer, murder, driving under the influence, driving without a license and obedience of traffic control devices.

The patrol’s Specialized Collison Reconstruction Team is assisting with the investigation.

Other fatal crashes

The crash was one of at least fatal ones Wednesday across the CSRA. The other ones included these:

• A single-vehicle crash happened around 3:20 p.m. Wednesday on U.S. 278 near Jaywood Road about four miles west of Williston, according to the South Carolina Highway Patrol. A 2011 Ford Fusion was traveling east and crossed the center line, going off the left side of the road, struck a culvert, and overturned, ejecting the unrestrained driver, the vehicle’s only occupant. He was identified as William T. Sargent II, 53, who died at the scene from blunt-force injuries.
• In Burke County, a pedestrian was killed in the 9900 block of Highway 23 between Claxton Road and Brigham Landing Road sometime between 5:30 and 7:30 a.m. Wednesday. Deputies tentatively identified the pedestrian but are asking for the public’s help with information about the vehicle that was involved. Callers may remain anonymous and can call 706-554-2133, reach out by Facebook messenger on the Burke County Sheriff’s Office page, or by emailing j.wylds@bcso-ga.org.

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