A well-known and much-loved couple from Woodstock, Georgia, was killed in a tragic collision in Bartow County last week, after their vehicle was struck from behind by a suspected drunk driver. According to police, 52-year-old Russ Musgrove and his 50-year-old wife, Karen, were traveling southbound on Interstate 75, when a vehicle struck their Ford Explorer from behind, forcing their car off the roadway and down an embankment, and fatally injuring the couple. If you have lost a loved one in Georgia car accident with a suspected drunk driver, contact our knowledgeable attorneys at Rechtman & Spevak today to discuss the possibility of filing a wrongful death claim against the driver found at-fault in the alleged DUI accident.
Driver Had Open Container in His Vehicle
According to the Georgia State Patrol (GSP), the rear-end collision that claimed the lives of Russ and Karen Musgrove took place just before 9 p.m. on October 30, south of Adairsville, Georgia. The vehicle that rear-ended their Explorer SUV was a 2008 BMW driven by 50-year-old Charles Porter of Tennessee, and police believe alcohol may have been a factor in the fatal collision. In the aftermath of the deadly Georgia car accident, Porter was arrested and charged with two counts of first-degree homicide by vehicle, failure to maintain lane, reckless driving, open container of alcohol while operating a vehicle, and possession of marijuana.
Victims Pronounced Dead at Scene
Russ and Karen Musgrove reportedly met while attending Middle Tennessee State University, and then moved to Woodstock, Georgia in 2002, where they raised their three children, Russell Jr., 24, Jake, 22 and Emily, 19. The Musgroves were both active in their community, and will be sorely missed by their friends and loved ones, particularly their children. Police believe that Porter may have been under the influence of alcohol when he allegedly rear-ended the Musgroves and caused their SUV to leave the roadway and drive down an embankment. Russ and Karen Musgrove were pronounced dead at the scene of the accident, which is in the process of being investigated by the Georgia State Patrol’s collision reconstruction team, and Porter was transported to the Bartow County Jail.
Our Experienced DUI Accident Lawyers Can Help
Driving under the influence of alcohol (DUI) plays a major role in the rate of deadly car accidents in Georgia and across the country. In 2012 alone, 10,322 people were killed in alcohol-related collisions in the United States, accounting for nearly 31% of all traffic-related fatalities in the U.S. If you have suffered injuries in a suspected drunk driving accident in Atlanta, Marietta, or elsewhere in Georgia, consult our reputable lawyers at Rechtman & Spevak to discuss your legal options. Our law firm is located in Atlanta, and our attorneys have years of experience protecting the rights of car accident victims and their families throughout Georgia.