Dade County Man Killed in Gordon County Collision Following High-Speed Pursuit
GORDON COUNTY, GA — August 23, 2025 – A fatal head-on collision on State Route 53 in Gordon County has claimed the life of Donald Brandon Franks, 49, of Lookout Mountain, Georgia.
The Gordon County Coroner’s Office confirmed Franks succumbed to his injuries after a crash that followed a high-speed police pursuit Saturday afternoon.
At about 2:40 p.m., a Gordon County deputy sheriff was on I-75 Southbound at the Exit 317 entrance ramp when a Mercedes automobile passed his patrol car, nearly striking it.
The deputy followed as the Mercedes drove erratically, making rapid lane changes, until reaching Exit 312 (Fairmount Highway). When the deputy attempted a traffic stop, the driver sped away at a high rate of speed, initiating a pursuit.
Other deputies joined as the Mercedes traveled east on Fairmount Highway toward the State Route 53 Bypass near Blackwood. The driver turned onto the Bypass and continued fleeing back toward Calhoun at speeds well over 100 miles per hour, recklessly outpacing law enforcement.
At the intersection of the Bypass and State Route 53/Rome Road, the violator crossed into oncoming westbound lanes. Deputies, citing public safety, did not follow into the wrong lane. Within seconds, the Mercedes struck a Honda CRV head-on.
The crash killed Franks, who was in the Honda, and left two others severely injured. Deputies immediately worked to rescue victims from burning vehicles and administer first aid until Fire/Rescue and EMS arrived.
Three people were airlifted by medical helicopter. The driver of the Mercedes, also severely injured, has not yet been positively identified.
The Georgia State Patrol, with assistance from the Gordon County Coroner’s Office, is leading the investigation into the crash.
Funeral arrangements for Franks have not yet been announced.