With heavy hearts and profound sorrow, family, friends, and the Monroe County community mourn the tragic loss of Tomiyia Jean Smith, 47, who was killed in a fatal traffic crash on Interstate 75 Monday evening in Monroe County, Georgia.
According to Monroe County Coroner Mark Goolsby, Smith was pronounced deceased at approximately 8:30 p.m. after her Volkswagen mini-SUV crashed into the back of a flatbed trailer that was parked on the right shoulder of the interstate near mile marker 188 in Forsyth. Authorities said Smith’s vehicle went underneath the 18-wheeler trailer, and she was pronounced dead at the scene.
Smith was traveling with her 9-year-old son, who was airlifted to Egleston Children’s Hospital in Atlanta. Officials reported that the child remains in critical condition.
Investigators said the driver of the truck was not present at the scene at the time of the crash. A person was reportedly working on the parked vehicle when the collision occurred, but that individual was not injured.
Officials confirmed that Smith and her son were residents of Ohio. The Georgia State Patrol identified Smith as being from Mt. Sterling, Ohio, approximately 30 minutes from downtown Columbus. They were traveling through Georgia at the time of the crash.
The collision resulted in the closure of multiple northbound lanes of I-75 for approximately three hours, according to the Georgia Department of Transportation’s 511GA system.
The Georgia State Patrol is leading the investigation, with assistance from the Forsyth Police Department. The investigation remains ongoing.
Tomiyia Jean Smith is remembered as a loving mother whose life was tragically cut short. Her death has deeply impacted her family and all who have learned of this heartbreaking loss. The community continues to surround her loved ones with prayers, compassion, and support during this painful time.
🕯️ Rest in peace, Tomiyia Jean Smith. You will not be forgotten. 🕯️
