Cleveland Woman Killed in Single-Vehicle Crash on Unicoi Mountain
A tragic accident in Towns County, Georgia, claimed the life of a young motorist on Sunday evening when her car veered off Highway 75 while ascending Unicoi Mountain. Authorities have identified the victim as Kinsey Grice, 21, of Cleveland, Georgia.
The Accident
According to the Georgia State Patrol (GSP), Grice was driving a Toyota Avalon northbound shortly before 10:00 p.m. when her vehicle crossed over the center line for reasons that remain unknown. The car then left the roadway near Indian Gap Grove Road, plunging approximately 80 feet down an embankment before overturning.
Emergency responders from Towns County were dispatched immediately after receiving reports of the crash. Despite their rapid arrival, Grice was found deceased at the scene. The Towns County Coroner’s Office confirmed she was pronounced dead on arrival.
Conditions at the Time
Investigators reported that roadway and weather conditions were good at the time of the accident. No other vehicles were involved, and Grice was the only occupant of the sedan. The GSP noted in its report that the cause of the crash remains undetermined.
“The vehicle would have had to cross left over the double yellow lines at that location,” the report stated. “At this time, it is unclear why the driver left the roadway.”
Response and Investigation
First responders, including firefighters, EMS, and law enforcement officers, worked late into the evening to recover the vehicle and secure the scene. The accident’s location along the winding, mountainous stretch of Highway 75 made recovery efforts particularly difficult.
The Georgia State Patrol Specialized Collision Reconstruction Team (SCRT) is assisting in the investigation, which is expected to examine factors such as driver fatigue, potential mechanical failure, or other contributing causes.
Remembering the Victim
News of the crash has devastated the Cleveland community and those who knew Kinsey Grice. At just 21 years old, she had her life ahead of her. Friends describe her as kindhearted, full of life, and someone who always had a smile for everyone she met.
Family members are now left grappling with the sudden loss, preparing to honor her memory even as they await answers about what led to the accident.
Roadway Safety Concerns
The stretch of Highway 75 across Unicoi Mountain is known for its sharp curves and steep grades, making it a challenging drive for motorists, particularly at night. Local officials continue to stress the importance of caution when traveling mountain roads, even when conditions appear favorable.
Moving Forward
Funeral arrangements for Kinsey Grice are expected to be announced in the coming days. Meanwhile, the Georgia State Patrol urges anyone who may have witnessed the crash or noticed unusual activity on the roadway Sunday evening to contact authorities.
As the investigation continues, the community mourns the loss of a young woman whose life ended far too soon.
