June 24, 2026, 4:00 p.m. ET
The Columbia County Coroner's Office is investigating a fatal multi-vehicle crash that occurred Wednesday in Evans.
Vernon Lewis, 84, was pronounced dead at the scene following a head-on collision at the intersection of Washington Road and Thoroughbred Lane, according to authorities.
Emergency crews responded shortly after 10 a.m. to a crash involving a passenger car, an SUV, and a pickup truck. Sheriff's investigators stated Lewis was driving a 2019 Nissan Versa west on Washington Road when, for unknown reasons, the vehicle crossed into eastbound traffic.
In an attempt to avoid a collision, the 37-year-old driver of a 2025 GMC Yukon swerved but was clipped by Lewis's vehicle. The Yukon driver did not sustain injuries, according to the sheriff's office. The Versa subsequently struck a 2020 Chevrolet 2500 head-on, operated by a 27-year-old Augusta man, who suffered minor injuries.
Life-saving efforts were unsuccessful for Lewis, authorities reported. The coroner's office confirmed that next of kin have been notified, and an autopsy is scheduled. The cause of the crash remains under investigation.