Augusta Man Charged in Fatal Harlem Crash That Killed Elderly Driver

Augusta Man Charged in Fatal Harlem Crash That Killed Elderly Driver

Tragedy struck Columbia County on Wednesday evening when a two-vehicle collision at a rural intersection claimed the life of a beloved elderly woman and left the community grappling with shock and grief. The crash occurred at the intersection of Appling Harlem Road and Old Union Road, just outside the city limits of Harlem, Georgia. Now, an Augusta man faces criminal charges in connection with the fatal accident.

According to the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office, 79-year-old Mildred Ann Gay of Harlem was driving southbound on Appling Harlem Road when her vehicle was violently struck by another car that entered the intersection from Old Union Road. Emergency responders rushed to the scene around 6:30 p.m. to find two heavily damaged vehicles and multiple injuries.

Investigators determined that the second vehicle, driven by 32-year-old Drayton McDaniel II of Augusta, had come to a stop at the stop sign on Old Union Road before attempting to cross Appling Harlem Road and proceed west onto North Fairview Drive. However, as McDaniel entered the intersection, he failed to yield to Gay’s oncoming vehicle, causing a devastating impact on the driver’s side of her car.

Gay sustained critical injuries in the crash and was pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities described the incident as a T-bone collision — a type of accident known for its high fatality rate, especially when the point of impact is on the driver’s side.

McDaniel remained at the scene and cooperated with investigators. Deputies conducted a thorough crash reconstruction and determined that McDaniel was at fault for failing to yield the right of way. As a result, he was taken into custody and charged with vehicular homicide in the second degree and failure to yield while entering or crossing a roadway. He was later booked into the Columbia County Detention Center.

The community of Harlem is mourning the loss of Mildred Ann Gay, a longtime resident remembered by neighbors and loved ones as kind-hearted, deeply rooted in her faith, and always willing to lend a helping hand. Friends say she was on her way home after visiting with relatives when her life was suddenly cut short.

“Mildred was the kind of person you never forget,” said a neighbor. “She was strong, independent, and always full of love. This is just heartbreaking for all of us.”

The crash also serves as a somber reminder of the dangers present at rural intersections, where limited visibility, high speeds, and driver misjudgment can turn routine drives into fatal incidents. The Appling Harlem Road and Old Union Road intersection has seen its share of close calls, and local residents are once again calling for improved signage, lighting, or possibly a traffic signal to prevent future tragedies.

Columbia County authorities said the case is still under review, but additional charges are not expected unless further evidence is uncovered. Toxicology tests on both drivers are pending, as is standard procedure in fatal crash investigations.

For the Womack family, no charges or court proceedings can replace the loss of a mother, grandmother, and friend. But they hope the legal consequences faced by the other driver will serve as a wake-up call to others about the importance of attentiveness and caution behind the wheel.

“We lost a beautiful soul,” said a family spokesperson. “We want people to understand how fast life can change. We’re heartbroken, but we’re holding on to her memory and praying for justice and healing.”

A memorial service for Mildred Ann Gay is being planned for later this week at her family church in Harlem. The family has requested privacy during this time and has also asked community members to consider donations to a local senior center or road safety advocacy group in her honor.

As legal proceedings against Drayton McDaniel II move forward, the case underscores the heavy weight of responsibility that every driver carries. A single moment of misjudgment can result in irreversible loss, and in this case, a beloved member of the community is gone far too soon.