Man killed in crash after leading Georgia deputies on chase, authorities say

A Georgia man is dead after a vehicle crash that happened when he fled from a sheriff’s deputy during an attempted traffic stop early Wednesday morning.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

The White County Sheriff’s Office said a deputy tried to stop a burgundy Toyota around 4:10 a.m. Nov. 11 after noticing the vehicle failing to maintain its lane near Truelove Road and Putnam Road.

The driver refused to stop and sped away northbound on Highway 129, crossing into Lumpkin County.

While traveling on Highway 19, the driver failed to safely navigate a curve, causing the vehicle to leave the roadway and hit multiple trees, according to the sheriff’s office.

TRENDING STORIES:

• Head football coach at north Georgia high school resigns, effective immediately
• Georgia USPS worker arrested for alleged mail theft while on delivery route
• Second administrator placed on leave after Georgia high school principal’s arrest

White County deputies approached the wreckage, pulled the driver from the vehicle and attempted lifesaving measures. However, the driver died from his injuries at the scene.

The driver was identified as Christopher Balous Walden, 45, of Cleveland.

The Georgia State Patrol is handling the crash investigation, according to the sheriff’s office.

[SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]