A devastating hit-and-run incident claimed the life of 39-year-old Roy Mattox on Sunday evening in Austell, Georgia. According to Cobb County Police, Mattox was walking along the sidewalk on South Gordon Road toward Shady Ridge Lane when he was struck by a vehicle traveling in the same direction. The driver fled the scene, leaving Mattox fatally injured. Local resident Rosibel Ordonez's family members heard the crash but reported seeing no vehicle in the vicinity when they investigated the noise, only discovering Mattox's body moments later. Emergency services were called to the scene, but Mattox did not survive the impact. The tragedy has left his family, including his sister Tia Friday, grappling with both emotional devastation and practical concerns as they face unexpected funeral expenses while police continue their search for the driver responsible for Mattox's death.

Location and Infrastructure

South Gordon Road in Austell is a residential thoroughfare in Cobb County, Georgia, located approximately 15 miles northwest of downtown Atlanta. The area where the incident occurred, near the intersection with Shady Ridge Lane, features sidewalks that are intended to provide safe passage for pedestrians separated from vehicular traffic. Despite these safety features, this stretch of road has raised concerns about visibility, especially during evening hours when this accident occurred. The residential nature of the area typically means moderate traffic volumes with posted speed limits designed for neighborhood safety. Nearby landmarks include the South Cobb Community Center and several residential subdivisions that make this a regularly trafficked area for both vehicles and pedestrians, highlighting the importance of driver vigilance in areas where pedestrian activity is common.

Legal Rights and Considerations

Under Georgia law, leaving the scene of an accident resulting in injury or death is a serious criminal offense that can result in felony charges with penalties including significant prison time. For the victim's family, Georgia's wrongful death statutes permit certain family members to pursue compensation through civil litigation against the responsible party once identified. This compensation may cover funeral expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering damages. Georgia follows a modified comparative negligence rule, which means compensation may be adjusted based on each party's degree of fault in the incident. The statute of limitations for wrongful death claims in Georgia is generally two years from the date of death, making timely legal consultation important. Additionally, potential claims against the at-fault driver's insurance may provide coverage for the family's immediate expenses once the driver is located.

Related Resources

• Emergency Services: Cobb County Police Department (770-499-3900); Cobb County Fire Department (770-528-8000)
• Traffic Safety Resources: Georgia Governor's Office of Highway Safety (www.gahighwaysafety.org); Cobb County Department of Transportation (www.cobbcounty.org/transportation)
• Victim Support Services: Cobb County Victim Witness Assistance Program (770-528-3047); Georgia Crime Victims Compensation Program (800-547-0060)
• Legal Resources: Georgia Department of Driver Services (www.dds.georgia.gov/highway-safety); Georgia Code Title 40 - Motor Vehicles and Traffic (www.legis.ga.gov)
• Community Support: Crime Stoppers Greater Atlanta (404-577-8477) for anonymous tips regarding the hit-and-run driver