Thursday afternoon, August 21, 2025, tragedy struck at the intersection of Highway 25 South and Coleman Young Road in Burke County, Georgia, claiming the lives of two cherished residents and leaving a community in mourning. The clock read 1:52 p.m. when a devastating collision unfolded, forever altering the lives of those involved and sending ripples of sorrow through the tight-knit town of Waynesboro.
According to the Burke County Sheriff’s Office, a passenger vehicle, driven by 71-year-old Wanda Williams Saxon, was attempting to navigate the intersection, pulling onto Highway 25 South from Coleman Young Road. Wanda, a beloved figure in her community, was accompanied by her husband, 78-year-old Linwood Douglas Saxon, a man known for his warmth and quiet strength. The couple, lifelong residents of Waynesboro, had shared decades of love and memories, their lives intertwined with the fabric of their small town.
As their vehicle entered the roadway, fate dealt a cruel blow. A southbound semi-truck, driven by 60-year-old Kathy Lee Nevius of North Augusta, South Carolina, collided with the Saxons’ car. The impact was catastrophic, the force of the massive truck overwhelming the smaller vehicle. Emergency responders rushed to the scene, their sirens piercing the stillness of the rural afternoon, but the injuries sustained by Wanda and Linwood were too severe. Both were transported to a nearby hospital, where, despite the efforts of medical staff, they succumbed to their wounds, leaving behind a legacy of love and a community in grief.
Kathy Lee Nevius, the driver of the semi-truck, was also affected by the tragedy. Shaken but alive, she was taken to Burke Medical Center for evaluation, her own journey now marked by the weight of the accident. The Burke County Sheriff’s Office, in a statement heavy with sorrow, extended their deepest condolences to the Saxon and Nevius families, acknowledging the profound loss felt by all. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the loved ones of those affected by this tragic accident,” said Sheriff Alfonzo Williams, his words echoing the collective heartache of the county.
The intersection of Highway 25 South and Coleman Young Road, a seemingly unremarkable crossing in rural Georgia, has now become a place of solemn reflection. The Burke County Sheriff’s Office Traffic Division is diligently investigating the circumstances of the crash, piecing together the moments that led to this heartrending event. Questions linger—about timing, visibility, and the split-second decisions that can alter lives forever—but answers are still forthcoming as the investigation continues.
For now, Waynesboro holds its breath, grappling with the loss of Wanda and Linwood Saxon, a couple whose presence touched countless lives. Their story, though ended in tragedy, reminds us of the fragility of life and the enduring bonds of community. As the investigation unfolds, the people of Burke County come together to honor their memory, finding solace in shared stories and the hope that such a tragedy will not strike again.