HIAWASSEE – A local youth died in a two-vehicle crash on Tuesday, Aug. 18, after his motorcycle collided with a heavy-duty work truck on US 76 near Shake Rag Road, according to the Georgia State Patrol.
Jax Trask, 17, of Hiawassee and formerly of Blairsville, perished in the accident.
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GSP troopers and a Commercial Vehicle Enforcement officer were dispatched to the scene at 2:42 p.m. that Tuesday.
The investigation revealed that a 2000 Suzuki motorcycle driven by Trask was traveling west on US 76, negotiating a hillcrest and dip in the roadway while suspected to be traveling over the posted speed limit, according to GSP.
An International 5600 was stopped facing east on US 76 in the center turn lane, waiting to make a left turn into a business, according to GSP.
“The International attempted its turn and entered the path of travel of the Suzuki,” GSP said. “The motorcycle driver laid down the motorcycle and was then ran over by the International with the driver still on the motorcycle. The motorcycle driver succumbed to his injuries on scene.”
The Georgia State Patrol’s Specialized Collision Reconstruction Team was contacted and is investigating.
According to his obituary, Trask passed away “doing what he loved to do, riding his motorcycle.” He attended Union County High School, was of the Baptist faith, and was “a loving and caring father, son, brother, nephew and grandson.”
A private family Celebration of Jax’s Life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations may be made to a favorite charity of each donor’s choice in Jax’s memory.
Mountain View Funeral Home of Blairsville is in charge of the arrangements. People may sign the family guest book and send condolences online at www.mountainviewfuneralhome.com.
