Donald Brandon Franks dies in fatal car crash on Highway 53 W

Donald Brandon Franks dies in fatal car crash on Highway 53 W

Fatal car crash death of Donald Brandon Franks

The official identification of the individual killed during Saturday’s serious accident on Highway 53 West was announced by the Gordon County Coroner, Nick Blalock. He revealed that the deceased was Donald Brandon Franks, who was 49 years old and from Lookout Mountain, Georgia.

Blalock confirmed that Mr. Franks passed away as a direct result of injuries sustained during a head-on collision that occurred on Highway 53 on August 23, 2025. The Coroner’s Office emphasized its commitment to supporting the family of the deceased and the ongoing investigation involving the Georgia State Patrol.

According to earlier reports from the newspaper, a pursuit involving Gordon County deputies began on the afternoon of August 23 at 2:39 p.m. The deputies were chasing a vehicle at high speed on Highway 53. They subsequently requested backup from the State Patrol.

The vehicle being pursued, a black Mercedes passenger car, reached a critical point when it attempted a right turn onto a connecting road. Due to excessive speed, it crossed into the opposite lane. At that moment, state troopers were approaching the intersection but did not make contact with the fleeing vehicle.

The suspect continued driving in the wrong direction until they collided head-on with a Honda CR-V. Both vehicles burst into flames immediately after the impact.

Emergency responders worked quickly to rescue occupants from the burning wreckage. The driver of the Honda CR-V, a 35-year-old woman with injuries, and her nine-year-old passenger were airl evacuated. Mr. Franks, who was the front passenger in the CR-V, was pronounced deceased at the scene.