Eight Family Members Killed in Fiery I-85 Crash in Jackson County Identified; Truck Driver Arrested

Eight Family Members Killed in Fiery I-85 Crash in Jackson County Identified; Truck Driver Arrested

JACKSON COUNTY, Ga. — A devastating collision on Interstate 85 northbound in Jackson County has claimed the lives of eight members of the same family, including four children, and left an entire community in mourning. The tragic incident occurred Monday afternoon, October 13, near mile marker 147, just south of Commerce, Georgia.

According to the Jackson County Coroner’s Office, the victims — ranging in age from just three years old to 42 — were all traveling together in a Dodge minivan when it was rear-ended by a semi-truck tanker that failed to stop in time. The violent impact caused the minivan to erupt into flames, trapping the family inside and sparking a massive emergency response.

Victims Identified: A Family Lost

Authorities have now confirmed the identities of the eight individuals who perished in the crash:

• Sonia Maribel Ramirez, 42

• Kenia Ramirez, 22

• Darwin Ventura, 23 (three months pregnant with their second child)

• Kayle Ventura, 4

• Justin Ramirez, 16

• Andy Ramirez, 14

• Natali Ramirez, 11

• Evan Ramirez, 3 years, 7 months

Family members say Kenia and Darwin were traveling with their daughter Kayle and were expecting their second child in the coming months. Kenia’s mother, Sonia, and her younger siblings — Justin, Andy, Natali, and Evan — were also in the vehicle. The extended family had been on their way to a gathering when the crash occurred.

Initially, seven victims were reported deceased at the scene. However, during a more thorough examination of the charred wreckage, first responders discovered an eighth victim, later confirmed as 3-year-old Evan.

Chain Reaction Crash Involving Six Vehicles

The Georgia State Patrol (GSP) reported that the crash occurred shortly after 4:00 p.m., when a tanker semi-truck, operated by Kane Hammock, struck the rear of the family’s minivan. The force of the collision triggered a chain reaction involving six vehicles, but none sustained damage as catastrophic as the van carrying the Ramirez-Ventura family.

Witnesses described a nightmarish scene, with the van engulfed in flames within seconds. Several drivers pulled over in a desperate attempt to help but were forced back by the intense heat and rapid spread of the fire.

“There was nothing anyone could do,” said one eyewitness. “It all happened so fast. The fire was too strong. We just stood there helpless, watching something unimaginable.”

Driver Charged with Multiple Felonies

Following a preliminary investigation, authorities arrested the tanker truck driver, Kane Hammock, at the scene. He has since been charged with:

• Eight counts of second-degree vehicular homicide

• One count of second-degree vehicular feticide

• Following too closely

• Distracted driving

• Operation of a vehicle without a current plate

Hammock is currently being held in Jackson County Jail as the investigation continues. Officials have not publicly disclosed whether he was impaired, speeding, or fatigued at the time of the collision, but investigators are reportedly reviewing cell phone records, vehicle data, and dashcam footage to determine all contributing factors.

Ongoing Investigation by GSP and SCRT

The Georgia State Patrol’s Specialized Collision Reconstruction Team (SCRT) is leading the in-depth investigation, working alongside local and state agencies to determine exactly what led to the deadly crash.

Authorities have not released information about the contents of the tanker truck, though they confirmed no hazardous materials were involved in the fire. The northbound lanes of I-85 were closed for several hours Monday evening as investigators reconstructed the crash scene and cleared the area of debris.

“This is one of the most tragic traffic incidents we’ve seen in recent memory,” a GSP trooper said. “An entire family — parents, children, unborn life — gone in a single, preventable moment.”

Outpouring of Grief and Support

As news of the crash spread, an outpouring of grief has swept across Jackson County and the broader Georgia community. Local churches, schools, and advocacy groups are organizing vigils, and GoFundMe campaigns have been launched to assist surviving family members with funeral and burial expenses.

“This is a heartbreaking loss not only for the immediate family, but for the entire community,” said Franka Young, spokesperson for the Georgia Department of Public Safety. “We are working tirelessly to provide answers and support to the families impacted.”

Counseling services are being made available through local school districts and community centers, especially for classmates of the young victims, some of whom were enrolled in area public schools.

Appeal for Witnesses and Footage

The Georgia State Patrol is urging anyone who witnessed the crash or may have dashcam footage from that portion of I-85 between 3:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. on Monday to come forward. Witness accounts may be critical to understanding the precise timeline of events.

Those with information are encouraged to contact the Georgia State Patrol Post 32 in Athens at (706) 552-4430.

A Tragic Reminder

As the investigation continues, this devastating event stands as a sobering reminder of the importance of safe driving practices, particularly for commercial drivers who operate heavy vehicles capable of causing catastrophic harm.

The entire state mourns the loss of the Ramirez-Ventura family — a family full of promise, love, and future — taken far too soon.