Franklin Co., GA (July 29, 2025) — A tragic crash early Saturday morning, July 26, on Interstate 85 in Franklin County claimed the life of a South Carolina woman and left her daughter seriously injured, according to the Georgia State Patrol.
Troopers from Post 52 in Hartwell responded to the two-vehicle collision around 3:55 a.m. in the southbound lanes near the Georgia-South Carolina border. The incident involved a Dodge Challenger and a Honda HR-V.
Preliminary findings indicate that the Dodge Challenger, driven by 31-year-old Thomas Lamar Hardy Jr. of Gaffney, SC, rear-ended the Honda while traveling at a high rate of speed. The impact forced both vehicles into the median, where they struck a cable barrier. The Honda overturned, coming to rest on its side, while the Challenger spun into a guardrail and caught fire shortly afterward. Hardy escaped the blaze with minor injuries.
Tragically, 56-year-old Michelle Honea Prater of Westminster, SC, a passenger in the Honda, was pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities noted she was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash. The driver, 28-year-old Madison Elizabeth Prater, also of Westminster, sustained serious injuries and was flown to Northeast Georgia Medical Center in Gainesville for emergency treatment.
Hardy has been taken into custody and is facing multiple charges, including first-degree vehicular homicide, DUI, serious injury by vehicle, reckless driving, following too closely, and driving on a suspended license.
The southbound lanes of I-85 remained shut down for nearly four hours as investigators processed the scene.
We extend our sincere condolences to the family of the deceased victim. We also wish those hurt a rapid recovery.
Georgia Car Accidents
From remote rural routes to the congested lanes of I-75, I-20, and I-16, Georgia sees a troubling number of deadly car crashes each year. These tragic incidents often happen in an instant, but the impact on families can last a lifetime—bringing profound grief, financial hardship, and unanswered questions.
High-speed collisions, multi-vehicle wrecks, and catastrophic crashes are not uncommon across the state. Whether occurring on winding country roads or bustling metropolitan interstates, these accidents frequently involve serious injuries and, too often, heartbreaking loss of life.
Recent data from the Georgia Department of Transportation shows that fatal traffic incidents remain a persistent issue, with thousands of lives lost or forever changed each year. Many of these crashes stem from preventable causes—distracted driving, speeding, unsafe lane changes, impaired driving, or failure to yield.
When lives are cut short by negligent or reckless behavior on the road, surviving loved ones are left to cope with both emotional pain and practical burdens. In addition to the sorrow of losing a family member, families may face unexpected medical bills, funeral costs, and the long-term absence of a loved one’s care and support.
At Karma Injury Law, we recognize that no legal outcome can ever replace a lost life. But we also believe that families deserve answers—and accountability. Our Franklin County wrongful death attorneys provide compassionate legal support to those navigating the aftermath of a deadly crash.
We investigate the details thoroughly, working to hold at-fault drivers and negligent parties responsible. Whether the fatality was the result of a single-vehicle wreck or a complex multi-car collision, we’re here to pursue justice on your behalf.
If you’ve lost someone in a preventable car crash, you don’t have to walk this road alone. Call Karma Injury Law at (678) 607-8312 for a free, confidential consultation. Our dedicated team serves families across Georgia with the commitment and care they deserve—fighting for the closure and compensation needed to move forward.
Notes: Our writers rely on multiple external sources to create this accident news post, including local and national news reports, police accident reports, and, sometimes, eyewitness accounts of injury accidents in Georgia. If you find any inaccuracies in this post, please contact Karma Injury Law promptly so we can make corrections. We will also remove the post upon request.
Disclaimer: This post is not intended as a business solicitation. Please be aware that the information provided does not constitute legal advice, nor does it create an attorney-client relationship. Legal outcomes can vary based on individual circumstances. We encourage you to contact Karma Injury Law directly for personalized legal guidance. The featured image in this post is not related to the actual accident scene.
