Family and friends of an elderly Augusta man killed in a head-on crash will bury him on Wednesday, even as they seek justice for the driver who killed him.
Eugene Hester Sr., 82, was killed Dec. 8 on the interstate in Columbia County. Authorities say Brittany Hodges of Thomson crossed the median from the opposite side and struck his vehicle head-on, according to a sheriff’s report.
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The 32-year-old woman was traveling west in a crossover SUV while Hester was driving east on I-20 near mile marker 194.5. For unknown reasons, Hodges left the road, hit a median barrier cable, crossed over two eastbound lanes of travel and struck Hester’s truck in the front as he was traveling the outside through-lane, a sheriff’s report says. He died from his injuries.
A Columbia County sheriff’s report says Hodges was found at fault in the collision, but she has not been charged. A report says she was transported to Doctors Hospital for treatment.
A family friend said they had not received any answers from law enforcement, even as they prepare to bury him.
“This person took the life of a healthy, elderly man!” the friend said Tuesday in a message to this reporter. “He was still very active! I don’t understand why (the driver) has not been arrested, charged or mentioned.”
On Tuesday, sheriff’s Maj. Steve Morris said they are awaiting blood results before moving forward with any charges.
The fatality was not covered on the news or mentioned in any press release. But Hester was remembered online as a beloved deacon and family man.
“We will miss him but not forget him, the dedication, dignity and honesty he exhibited as the delegate and representative of the Crawford Grove Baptist Church,” Lester Pollard wrote on Facebook.
A funeral service is scheduled for 11 a.m. Wednesday at B. A. Williams Memorial Chapel with interment at Crawford Grove Baptist Church Cemetery. He is survived by his children, Alfreda Hester, Eugene Hester Jr., Angela Hester; dear & special friend, Mary S. Wingfield; sisters, Nerisa Burnett, Jackie Hickman; six grandchildren; two great grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews and other relatives.
