September 3, 2000

Fatal Collision

Highway 41 at Carbondale Road

    On September 3, 2000 at approximately 17:36 hours the Whitfield County 911 Center received a report of a two vehicle collision on Highway 41 at its intersection with Carbondale Road.  Traffic Accident Reconstructionists with the Sheriff's Office Traffic Enforcement Unit were requested by responding officers to conduct the investigation.

    Investigators report that a gold 1996 Pontiac Grand Am was traveling south bound on Highway 41.  A black 1998 Toyota Corolla was traveling west bound.  The Corolla entered the intersection where the south bound Grand Am struck the Corolla in the passenger side.  At the time of the collision, the red light was in a flashing mode requiring the Toyota to stop and then proceed when the roadway was clear.  It has not been determined at this time whether or not the Corolla did in fact come to a stop at the intersection.

    The driver of the Pontiac Grand Am was identified as Ms. Belinda Orozco, 22, of Dalton.  Occupants of the Pontiac were identified as Edwardo Hernandez, 7 years of age, Jorge Rodriguez, 18 months, Diago Orozco, 6 years of age and Estaban Garcia, 13 months.  Estaban Garcia was transported to Erlanger Hospital in Chattanooga where he was listed in critical condition.  All other occupants of the Pontiac were treated and released from Hamilton Medical Center in Dalton.

    The driver of the Toyota Corolla was identified as Ms. Dawn Sisson, 37, of Dalton.  Ms. Dawn Sisson was treated and released from Hamilton Medical Center in Dalton.  Ms. Tiffany Sisson, 14 years of age, was a passenger in the Corolla.  Tiffany Sisson was transported from the scene of the collision by Lifeforce to Erlanger Hospital in Chattanooga.  At approximately 18:00 on September 4, 2000 Ms. Tiffany Sisson died as a result of internal injuries sustained in the collision.

    The investigation is on going at the present time.  No charges have been filed in the case to present.