The Georgia State Patrol confirmed on Sunday that a fatal crash took place at the intersection of Georgia 365 and Whitehall Road on Saturday, claiming the lives of two teenagers from Winder.
Authorities identified the driver as 17-year-old Dinu Dariy, who was pronounced dead at the scene. His passenger, 16-year-old Tanner Collins, also from Winder, suffered severe injuries and was transported to a nearby hospital for treatment. Despite medical efforts, Collins later passed away.
The cause of the accident remains under investigation as officials work to determine what led to the tragic collision. Preliminary findings indicate that Dariy was driving at the time, but it is unclear whether external factors such as road conditions, weather, or other vehicles contributed to the crash. The Georgia State Patrol has not yet released further details regarding the circumstances leading up to the incident.
The devastating loss of two young lives has deeply affected the Winder community, where both Dariy and Collins were known and loved by their peers, teachers, and neighbors. Friends and family members have shared their grief on social media, posting heartfelt messages and memories of the teens. Many have described them as bright, kind, and full of promise, making their untimely passing even more difficult to process.
Local schools, including Winder-Barrow High School, where the students were believed to be enrolled, have extended their condolences and are offering counseling services to support students struggling with the loss.
School officials are encouraging students to seek support and lean on one another during this challenging time. Meanwhile, community members have begun organizing vigils and memorial events to honor the lives of Dariy and Collins, providing a space for friends and loved ones to come together in remembrance and mourning.