HABERSHAM COUNTY, GEORGIA: The loss of one's entire family is unimaginable, but this was the tragic reality that a Hall County deputy had to face after a fiery road crash. Authorities in northeast Georgia reported that a collision involving two vehicles on Sunday, July 16, claimed the lives of five individuals, including two children. According to a press release from the Georgia State Patrol, 29-year-old Avonlea Holtzclaw was driving a Ford Explorer north on Georgia 365/U.S. 23 close to Alto in Habersham County when the crash occurred at approximately 3:30 pm.
As per the troopers, Mitchell Boggs, 58, was driving a Chevrolet Corvette south when he struck Holtzclaw as she attempted to cross the southbound lanes onto Mount Zion Road. All the people inside the burning cars died immediately. According to the Hall County Sheriff's Office, Holtzclaw and the two kids in her car were the wife and children of Hall County Deputy Patrick Neil Holtzclaw, as per WSB-TV.
Who was Avonlea Holtzclaw?
Avonlea Holtzclaw was a 29-year-old native of the small northern Georgia city of Dahlonega. Avonlea was the wife of Hall County Deputy Patrick Neil Holtzclaw. The Associated Press reported that authorities claim Avonlea was struck by a southbound car as she attempted to cross in a Ford Explorer on Sunday afternoon, July 15. Both cars burst into flames as the accident took place in Habersham County close to Alto. According to the sheriff's office, Avonlea was traveling with their two small children: 6-year-old son, Colt and 5-year-old daughter, Maddie Kate.
Following eight years of outstanding law enforcement service in Lumpkin County, Holtzclaw recently joined the team in Hall County. In a statement released on Monday, July 17, Hall County Sheriff Gerald Couch vowed to stand by Deputy Holtzclaw in the days, weeks, and months ahead.
Sheriff Couch said: "What can you say when someone loses his entire family? There are no words that can adequately express the heartbreak the Holtzclaw family is experiencing right now, but clearly our entire agency is devastated for them. We appreciate the many law enforcement agencies that have reached out asking how they can help. If I know our community, they will want to offer support, too. For now, we ask that you remember Deputy Holtzclaw in your prayers and give him time to grieve privately."
'This is tragic and heartbreaking!'
Georgia Governor Brian Kemp expressed condolences for the crash victims in a tweet and added that the Holtzclaw family has his support. Friends and family have also expressed their grief over tragic death of the mother and two kids on Facebook. One comment read: "This is tragic and heartbreaking! I’m so sorry. Bless you and her husband. Prayers for comfort." Someone else exclaimed, "So sorry to hear about your daughter and grandchildren! Hope you can find peace in this tragedy." "Oh my heavens what a tragedy. I am so sorry for this incredible loss," wrote another. One more comment read: "I’m so sorry to hear about her passing. Such a tragedy. I can’t even image what that family is going through right now."
Past tragic reminders
The accident in Alto on Sunday was terrible in and of itself, but it also served as a poignant remembrance of the lives lost at the same crossroad in southern Habersham County over two years ago. Lincoln Burgess, age 5, and his aunt Cynthia Wade, of Alto, died in October 2021 while trying to cross the highway on Mt. Zion Road. The burden of these deaths weighs heavily on the hearts of the public safety personnel that responded.
The deadly collision on Sunday, July 15, marked Lumpkin County's second involving young children in less than a week. Rocky Barron, a 3-year-old from Dahlonega, died on July 13 when the vehicle she was riding in skidded off a berm and flipped into the Chestatee River. On July 19, she will be laid to rest at Demorest's Whitfield Funeral Home.
