Hit-and-Run Crash Killed UGA Student

Athens-Clarke police announced they have identified the man they believe was driving a car that hit and killed a University of Georgia student.

Police are trying to locate

the suspect, Donterris Gresham, 29, of Athens. Warrants have been obtained charging him with first-degree vehicular homicide, hit and run involving death, failure to obey a traffic device, traveling too fast for conditions, and driving while unlicensed.

The crash claimed the life of 20-year-old Ariana Zarse, a junior majoring in marketing at the Terry College of Business.

Our condolences go to the family and friends of Ariana.

Her death marks Athens’ 20th fatal motor vehicle crash this year.

The hit-and-run occurred near the railroad crossing on East Broad Street just east of Foundry Street, according to police. The gray Honda Accord was traveling west into downtown Athens when Zarse, of Austin, Texas, was hit, police said.

The Honda fled the scene, according to police.

Zarse was walking with a friend, who was not struck, the report said.

A police officer responding to the crash scene was traveling on North Avenue when witnesses flagged him over about a car that sounded like it was scraping the ground, Barnett said.

What Responsibilities Do Drivers Have?

According to the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety, motorists must stop and stay stopped for pedestrians at crosswalks. Drivers must stay put until the pedestrian has vacated the driver’s side of the road.

Georgia law also holds that a driver cannot overtake another motorist who has stopped for a pedestrian.

The same safe driving practices that are taught in A-1’s Defensive Driving Class can apply to be a safe driver in a car and on a motorcycle. There is a lot of very useful and informative information in the class and it will apply whether you have been driving for years or you are a brand new driver.

For more information about class schedules or to see A-1’s 19 convenient locations call (770)962-9555 or visit us at www.a1drivingschools.com!