Vehicle hit pedestrian near Manchester Expressway
December 15, 2025 | Columbus, GA
A 48-year-old man from Muscogee County lost his life after being struck by a vehicle in Columbus on Saturday evening.
The incident occurred on County Line Road near the Manchester Expressway, according to the Columbus Police Department.
Jonathan Demetrius Powell, 48, of Muscogee County, died after he was struck by a vehicle on County Line Road near Manchester Expressway in Columbus.
What Happened in the Crash?
The collision took place around 8:48 p.m., when Jonathan Demetrius Powell was hit by an oncoming vehicle. He was rushed to Piedmont Hospital but was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.
- Victim: Jonathan Demetrius Powell, 48, of Muscogee County
- Location: County Line Road near Manchester Expressway, Columbus, GA
- Date and Time: Dec. 15, 2025, evening hours
- Outcome: Fatal injuries, and death confirmed at the hospital
- Agency Involved: Columbus Police Department
Powell's body was transported to the GBI Medical Examiner's office in Decatur for an autopsy. The investigation is ongoing, with charges pending against the driver, though specifics have not been released.
Why Do Pedestrian Accidents Like This Occur?
Georgia has experienced a significant uptick in pedestrian incidents, contributing to heightened safety concerns across the state. Data from the Georgia Office of Highway Safety indicates over 300 pedestrian fatalities in 2022, marking one of the highest rates in the Southeast.
The Governors Highway Safety Association attributes part of this rise to the popularity of larger vehicles like SUVs and pickups, which can obstruct drivers' views of pedestrians. Nationally, pedestrian deaths have surged nearly 60% since 2013, per the association's reports.
Factors often examined in such cases include road conditions, visibility, and lighting. These elements underscore the need for enhanced infrastructure, such as better crossings and improved lighting on high-speed roads.
Statistic |
Value |
Source |
|---|
Pedestrian Fatalities in Georgia (2022) |
Over 300 |
Georgia Office of Highway Safety |
National Increase in Pedestrian Deaths (Since 2013) |
Nearly 60% |
Governors Highway Safety Association |
Regional Ranking |
One of the highest in Southeast |
State Data Reports |
Legal Insights on Pedestrian Crashes
National legal analysts provide valuable perspectives on incidents involving motor vehicles and pedestrians, emphasizing prevention and accountability.
“Road conditions, visibility, and lighting are all possible contributing factors considered and examined,” said Candice Bond, managing partner with Bond Legal. “In cases such as this, an accident reconstruction team is sometimes needed to help piece together what happened.”
Key takeaways from analyst insights:
- Drivers have a duty to yield to pedestrians in nearly all scenarios.
- Families may pursue claims for loss of income, companionship, pain and suffering, funeral costs, and emotional distress.
- Insurance companies may push for quick, low settlements and professional guidance ensures fair compensation.
- Attorneys can compassionately support families while protecting their rights during investigations.
“It is almost always a driver’s duty to yield to any pedestrian,” said Stefano Formica, of counsel at Bond Legal. “Family members may seek damages following a tragic accident, and an attorney will advocate to ensure clients are treated fairly.”
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Candice Bond, national legal analyst for Newsline, has extensive experience with fatal pedestrian accidents. If you or a loved one needs help, she offers free consultations.
(Candice Bond, our national legal analyst, is a Managing Partner at Bond Legal. Newsline can and does use quotes from prior interviews with our analysts for our news articles. If you would like to contact Bond Legal to help you, please call 866-985-6515 or use the submission box found on this page. Legal analysts quoted may or may not be licensed in your state).