Local
Infant dies in 10-vehicle DeKalb crash after I-20 pursuit; driver also killed
Seven-month-old Kalayia Tolbert and the driver of an Audi died after a 10-vehicle crash near Wesley Chapel Road. Georgia State Patrol said the Audi had been traveling at about 110 mph before a trooper attempted a traffic stop and the driver sped away.
A 10-vehicle crash on Interstate 20 in DeKalb County killed 7-month-old Kalayia Tolbert and the driver of the Audi involved, after a Georgia State Patrol pursuit Saturday night, authorities said. Two other infants were injured.
State troopers said they saw the Audi traveling about 110 mph in a 60 mph zone with its headlights off and weaving through traffic. When a trooper activated emergency lights, the car briefly pulled onto the shoulder, then accelerated, according to GSP.
The driver, identified as 33-year-old Cameron Kemp of Covington, continued east on I-20, exited at Candler Road and re-entered the interstate toward Wesley Chapel Road, GSP said. As he left the highway at Wesley Chapel Road, Kemp lost control, struck a guardrail and hit multiple vehicles.
Troopers began treating injured people at the scene. Three infants riding in one car were taken to Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta; Tolbert later died of her injuries. Kemp was taken to Grady Memorial Hospital, where he also died.
Investigators said Kemp had a suspended license and two active warrants, one for a probation violation and another for failure to appear in court. GSP also said he had previously been incarcerated in connection with an aggravated battery case.
The Georgia Department of Public Safety said it recognizes that pursuits resulting in deaths raise serious concerns in the communities it serves. “No traffic violation, attempted arrest, or enforcement action diminishes the tragedy of a child losing her life,” the department said, adding that the circumstances are being thoroughly investigated.