Highway 41 South

at

West Ezzard Road

On Saturday January 27, 2001 at approximately 20:12 hours Deputies of the Whitfield County Sheriff's Office responded to a motor vehicle versus pedestrian collision in the 1700 block of Highway 41.

Investigators report finding a white male identified as Mr. Donald Mullins, 33, of a Dalton address lying face down in the northbound lane.  Mr. Mullins had apparently walked across the roadway attempting to enter a convenience store parking lot.  Prior to reaching the safety of the shoulder of the roadway, Mr. Mullins was impacted by a 19940 Plymouth Acclaim operated by Mr. William Maynor, 57 , of a Ringgold address.  Mr. Mullins was pronounced dead at the scene by the Whitfield County Coroner.  The cause of death being massive head trauma.

Further information given by the investigators points to the possibility of Mr. Mullins being under the influence of alcohol.  An eyewitness observed Mr. Mullins staggering across the roadway just prior to being struck by the northbound vehicle.  The driver of the vehicle did not appear to be under the influence however blood and urine samples have been obtained for analysis.  No charges are expected to be filed against the driver at this time.