Lookout Mountain Man Killed in Gordon County Collision; Services Arranged at Moore Funeral Home
GORDON COUNTY, GA — August 23, 2025 – A fatal head-on collision on State Route 53 in Gordon County claimed the life of Donald Brandon Franks, 49, of Lookout Mountain, Georgia,
At approximately 2:40 p.m., deputies were alerted when a Mercedes vehicle nearly struck a patrol car on I‑75 South at Exit 317. The vehicle continued driving erratically, initiating a high-speed pursuit through Fairmount Highway and onto the State Route 53 Bypass toward Calhoun. Deputies chose not to follow into oncoming westbound traffic, where the Mercedes collided head-on with a Honda CR-V.
Franks was driving the CR-V. His wife and child, also in the vehicle, were airlifted to a local hospital with severe injuries, while Franks succumbed to his injuries at the scene. All vehicles involved caught fire, prompting immediate action from deputies and first responders, who administered aid until additional crews arrived
Investigation
The Georgia State Patrol is leading the investigation in collaboration with the Gordon County Coroner’s Office. The Mercedes driver’s identity remains unconfirmed.
Funeral Arrangements
According to Moore Funeral Home in Trenton, GA, arrangements have been made for Mr. Franks, who passed away following the collision
Funeral services will be held at 1:00 PM on Saturday, August 30, 2025, in the Larry Moore Memorial Chapel of Moore Funeral Home in Trenton, with Brother Troy Lawson and Brother Aaron Wooten officiating. Brandon will be laid to rest at Lake Hills Memorial Gardens.
The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Friday, August 29, from 1:00 PM until 8:00 PM, and on Saturday from 11:00 AM until the service hour at 1:00 PM.
Many in the community have asked how they might help. For those who feel led, a donation link is available on the Moore Funeral Home website to support the family during this difficult time.