By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support local journalism.
Driver charged in July 4 wreck that killed 2 teens
Placeholder Image

The driver in a July 4 wreck that killed two teenagers has been charged with vehicular homicide, according to Georgia State Patrol officials.

Tony James Delong, 19, was driving a 1993 Jeep Wrangler east on Whelchel Mill Road in Hall County at about 2 p.m. when he lost control in a curve, struck an embankment and the vehicle flipped several times, according to Georgia State Patrol reports.

Three passengers were ejected and two were trapped in the Jeep, which landed on its left side facing west. Delong was also charged with three counts of safety restraint violation, meaning at least three of the people in the Jeep were not wearing seat belts. Patrol officials were not sure if the other two were wearing seat belts. Delong also was charged with driving too fast for conditions.

Christian J. Walker, 16, of Cumming, and Brandon Jay Hodges, 14, of Lawrenceville were both killed in the accident.

Delong and two other teenagers, Jacob Lord, 15, and Kayla Parker, 18, both of Dawsonville, were injured in the accident.

The Specialized Collision Reconstruction Team conducted an in-depth investigation before issuing the charges.