In a heart-wrenching tragedy on Monday afternoon, eight members of a Georgia family lost their lives in a devastating crash on Interstate 85 in Jackson County. The incident unfolded around 4:11 p.m. near mile marker 147, just south of Commerce, Georgia.
Authorities report that a semi-trailer, driven by 33-year-old Kane Aaron Hammock of Maysville, rear-ended a Dodge minivan that was traveling northbound. The force of the collision caused the van to burst into flames, tragically trapping all eight occupants inside. Emergency responders initially confirmed seven fatalities at the scene; however, a subsequent search revealed an eighth victim, who was also pronounced dead at the scene.
The victims ranged in age from 2 to 42 years old. Family members later identified the deceased as Kenia Ramirez and Darwin Ventura, along with their young daughter Kayle. The couple was expecting another child at the time of the crash. Also killed were Sonia Maribel Ramirez, Kenia’s mother, and her children Justin, Andy, Natali, and Evan.
The crash set off a chain reaction involving six vehicles. One of the other vehicles involved was a van operated by Furkids Animal Rescue and Shelters, which was transporting 37 cats to a shelter in Vermont. The driver sustained minor injuries, and several cats escaped during the chaos—two remain missing, and one is in critical care.
Kane Aaron Hammock was arrested at the scene and charged with eight counts of second-degree vehicular homicide, second-degree vehicular feticide, following too closely, distracted driving, and operating a vehicle without a current plate.
The crash prompted the closure of northbound lanes of I-85 for several hours as investigators, firefighters, and recovery crews worked through the debris and charred remains of the vehicles. The Georgia State Patrol’s Specialized Collision Reconstruction Team is continuing to investigate the crash. Officials have not yet released details regarding the tanker truck’s contents or whether speed or impairment played a role in the collision.
Authorities are asking anyone who witnessed the crash or has dashcam footage to contact the Georgia State Patrol Post in Athens as the investigation remains active.