News

Restaurant owner charged in fatal Hiawassee accident

HIAWASSEE, Ga. – Jacalyn Ann Gagnon, 68, was arrested and charged with homicide by vehicle in the 2nd degree Aug, 17 after an accident claimed the life of a local motorcyclist.

Jacalyn Ann Gagnon

Gagnon, the owner and operator of Papa’s Pizza, was attempting to turn from U.S. 76 into the restaurant’s parking lot on the afternoon of Tuesday, Aug. 13 when the vehicle she was driving collided with a motorcycle driven by 59 year old Randy Barnes of Hiawassee.

Barnes suffered severe trauma as a result of the crash, and was airlifted to Northeast Georgia Medical Center where he died during the early morning hours of Wednesday, Aug. 14.

Gagnon was additionally charged with failure to yield while turning left. The vehicular homicide charge is listed on the arrest report as a misdemeanor offense.

Georgia State Patrol investigated the fatal accident.

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