[It is the policy of the Cobb County Courier to omit the names of people involved in  traffic incidents that are still under investigation]

According to a public information release from Officer Aaron Wilson of the Cobb County Police Department, the department’s Selective Traffic Enforcement Program (S.T.E.P. Unit) is investigating a fatal collision that occurred on I-75 southbound north of Delk Road in Marietta.

The wreck took place on Saturday, August 24, 2024, at approximately 2:27 a.m.

Investigators report that a 2015 Freightliner Cascadia, towing two Great Dane van Trailers, and operated by a 46-year-old Columbia, South Carolina man, was traveling south in the fourth lane from the left. 

A blue 2009 Nissan Altima, driven by a 21-year-old individual from Stone Mountain, with a 28-year-old passenger from Jonesboro, was following the Freightliner.

The Freightliner slowed due to traffic, and the Nissan collided with the rear of the second trailer.

The impact caused the Nissan to rotate counterclockwise, stopping partially in the fourth and fifth lanes.

The passenger in the Nissan was taken to Wellstar Kennestone Hospital, where she died. The Nissan’s driver was also taken to Wellstar Kennestone with serious injuries.

The driver of the Freightliner was not injured.

The next of kin has been notified.

This collision is still under investigation. Anyone with information is asked to call the Cobb County Police Department STEP Unit at 770-499-3987.

The STEP Unit

The STEP Unit, which investigates serious or fatal traffic crashes, is one of the Cobb County Police Department’s Special Operations units, and is described on the web page of the Cobb County Police Department as follows:

“The Selective Traffic Enforcement Unit is responsible for investigating all fatal traffic crashes, enforcement of traffic laws in those areas which analysis indicates an elevated amount of crashes. 

“They are also responsible for the administration and execution of the Motor Carrier Safety Assistance Program. 

“They also take part in special security details, and investigate crashes involving Department vehicles when requested.”

The STEP Unit is commanded by Lieutenant Lane Johnson.