GSP releases details in deadly ATV crash
MOULTRIE, Ga. — A Colquitt County woman killed in a Saturday night off-road vehicle accident reportedly ran off a county roadway and overcorrected in an effort to retain control before overturning.
Amber Norman, 31, who oversaw nursing operations at Colquitt County’s prison and jail facilities, was pronounced dead at the scene of the accident in the 200 block of George Flowers Road, according to Colquitt County Coroner Verlyn Brock.
Two other occupants of the Polaris ATV, Bentley Hughes, 28, and Brittany Thompson, 25, were both treated at Colquitt Regional Medical Center and released that night, a hospital spokeswoman said on Monday. Hughes is a jailer, and Thompson is a nurse who worked with Norman.
The Georgia State Patrol was dispatched to the scene at about 11:38 p.m. to investigate the accident and found the ATV flipped onto its side, Trooper 1st Class Michael Moses said.
The survivors’ account was that Norman was “driving a little too fast and was trying to adjust the music on her phone,” while driving north on George Flowers Road, Moses said. “The vehicle went over the right side, (she) overcorrected to the left and snatched it again toward the right. That forced it to overturn on the driver’s side.”
Moses’ initial investigation indicated that Norman was not ejected from the Polaris. Alcohol is a suspected contributing factor in the wreck, and a blood sample was obtained from Norman’s body for testing.
There were no alcohol containers found at the scene, he said.
Norman worked at Colquitt County Correctional Institution, which houses state prisoners under contract with the Georgia Department of Corrections. About a year ago that service was merged with Colquitt Regional, and after training Norman became supervisor over the nursing program there and at Colquitt County Jail.
“The Board of Commissioners is deeply saddened by the tragic loss of Amber Norman,” Colquitt County Administrator Chas Cannon said on Monday. “She was the key individual supervising our jail and prison health programs, which — since their implementation — have resulted in thousands of dollars of savings for our county taxpayers. Amber was hardworking, friendly, and an overall outstanding and highly respected employee.
“Amber will be greatly missed, particularly by our law enforcement and public safety personnel at the (jail and prison). The Board of Commissioners express their heartfelt condolences to the Norman family as they deal with this terrible loss.”
Funeral services are at 11 a.m. Tuesday at Baker Funeral Home.