UPDATE | Pastor reflects on the life, legacy of teen killed in crash

Thursday, July 26, 2018

(News 12 at 5:30/News 12 at 6 O’Clock/NBC 26 at 7)

LINCOLN COUNTY, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Sarah Rhoads’ pastor at Reid Memorial Presbyterian Church says the 17-year-old was always helping others.

“She’s been a counselor at a variety of summer camps for the church this summer, and she’s been a special part of many of our families in our congregation of all ages,” said Dr. Matt Rich.

Dr. Rich tells News 12 Sarah was involved in the church with her family, who is now in mourning.

“Sarah was particularly engaged with her mom and her siblings through Christian education and youth group, certainly serving beyond our church in larger conferences.”

The church is standing behind the Rhoads family in this trying time.

“We just try to be as present as we can knowing that in many ways there are not words to share, but we do just provide that faithful presence and the ability to trust that the Lord will carry them through.”

Dr. Rich says his congregation will continue to lift up Sarah’s memory, and celebrate her life.

The Columbia County School Board also confirms that Sarah was going to be a senior at Lakeside High School.

LINCOLN COUNTY, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) -- Georgia State Patrol is releasing more information about the accident.

Troopers say Sarah Rhoads was traveling toward Lincoln County across the bridge when she swerved across the eastbound lane. Her car then hit the guardrail and bounced off before being hit by the logging truck.

Her vehicle was pushed about 300 feet before stopping. Troopers say there is no way the truck driver could have stopped in time.

LINCOLN COUNTY, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) -- News 12 has learned that the teen, Sarah Rhoads, was on her way to the YMCA's Camp Ivey for special needs children located at Camp Lakeside.

The Greater Augusta YMCA has issued a statement regarding the crash:

"It is with deepest sympathy and sadness that the Greater Augusta Family YMCA reports it has lost one of its very own camp volunteers today in a tragic car accident this morning along Washington Road at the Little River Bridge, Wednesday morning, July 25h. Sarah Rhoads’ vehicle struck an overturned logging truck and she did not survive the crash.

Ms. Rhoads was on her way to serve as a volunteer at the Y’s Camp Ivey for special needs children located at Camp Lakeside in Lincolnton. She was loved by both staff and campers for her devotion and passion for helping kids with special needs have a fulfilling camp experience and create lifetime memories.

The YMCA staff and Board of Directors extend their thoughts and prayers for the Rhoads family, all of Camp Ivey staff and campers, and Lincolnton community for this devasting loss. The Y Family is here for any support needed."

LINCOLN COUNTY, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) -- Georgia State Patrol tells News 12 the family of the victim in Wednesday's fatal head on collision has authorized the release of her name.

Deputies say 17-year-old Sarah Rhoads died in the crash.

We have reached out to troopers for more information related to the fatal accident.

Wednesday, July 25, 2018

COLUMBIA COUNTY, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) -- The bridge connecting Columba County and Lincoln County is back open.

The road leading to the bridge was closed after a logging truck was involved in a head-on collision Wednesday morning.

One person has died as a result of the crash.

Authorities are still investigating this crash.

Details of the fatality are limited at this time.

Stay with News 12 / NBC 26 as we continue to follow this developing story.

COLUMBIA COUNTY, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) -- Georgia State Patrol is releasing more information about Wednesday morning's crash.

GSP says a BMW crashed into the logging truck head-on, and witnesses say the driver was on the wrong side of the road.

The driver of the truck was up and walking around after the crash.

COLUMBIA COUNTY, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) -- At least one person has died after a logging truck flipped on its side, causing logs to fly and traffic to shut down.

It happened on Washington Road at Waters Edge Lane. The road is closed down at the Columbia County-Lincoln County line.

It's unclear whether anyone else was injured in the crash.

We have a crew heading to the scene.