Last updated: October 16, 2025
Tragic Multi-Vehicle Crash Claims Eight Lives in Jackson County
Authorities are investigating a catastrophic tractor-trailer crash that killed a family of eight people on Interstate 85 in Jackson County, Georgia, on October 13, 2025.
According to the Georgia State Patrol, a tractor-trailer collided with a Dodge van, igniting a massive fire that led to a chain-reaction crash involving several other vehicles. All eight occupants of the van died at the scene.
Details of the Crash
The Georgia State Patrol reports that the crash occurred around 4:15 p.m. near mile marker 136 on northbound I-85, roughly 60 miles northeast of Atlanta.
A tractor-trailer following too closely struck a Dodge van traveling ahead. The impact caused the van to burst into flames and collide with multiple vehicles.
A total of six vehicles were involved in the wreck. None of the eight passengers in the van survived the inferno.
Northbound lanes of I-85 were closed for more than five hours while crews worked to clear the scene.
Photos and aerial footage show charred vehicle remains scattered across the interstate, underscoring the intensity of the collision.
Investigation Underway
The Georgia State Patrol Specialized Collision Reconstruction Team (SCRT) is conducting a full investigation to determine the cause of the crash.
Preliminary findings suggest the tractor-trailer’s driver failed to maintain a safe following distance, a common factor in high-speed highway collisions.
The driver allegedly responsible, Kane Hammock, 33, was taken into custody and charged with eight counts of vehicular homicide, feticide, following too closely, no registration and failure to exercise due care.
Authorities are also reviewing:
- Speed and braking distance
- Driver distraction or fatigue
- Mechanical failure or brake malfunction
- Visibility and road conditions
- Possible violations of federal trucking regulations
Toxicology tests and vehicle data recorders will likely help reconstruct the moments leading up to the deadly impact.
Victims Identified
Eight victims, all family members, have been identified by the media:
- Maribel RamÃrez, 42
- Darwin Ventura, 23
- Kenia RamÃrez, 22 (three months pregnant)
- Justin RamÃrez, 16
- Andy RamÃrez, 14
- Natali RamÃrez, 11
- Kayle, 4
- Evan RamÃrez, 3
The family is from Gwinnett County. They were on their way to the Tanger Outlets to go shopping.
Community and Legal Impact
Jackson and Gwinnett County residents and local officials have expressed deep sorrow over the loss of life.
A gofundme page has been created to raise money for funeral expenses and to support the family of the eight victims. So far almost $29,000 has been raised out of a fundraising goal of $100,000.
Legal Rights After a Fatal Truck Accident
Tractor-trailer accidents often involve complex liability issues, including multiple parties such as:
- The truck driver
- The trucking company
- Maintenance or equipment providers
- Insurance carriers responsible for coverage disputes
Given the scale of this tragedy, families of the victims may have grounds to pursue wrongful death claims against the responsible parties.
Under Georgia law, families of wrongful death victims may recover compensation for:
- Funeral and burial costs
- Medical expenses
- Lost income and support
- Emotional anguish and suffering
- Punitive damages (in cases involving reckless conduct)
Because commercial trucking companies are governed by federal safety regulations, they are held to a higher duty of care. Violations — such as driver fatigue, improper maintenance, or inadequate training — may significantly strengthen a wrongful death case.
If your family has lost a loved one in a truck-related crash, it is critical to consult a Georgia truck accident lawyer immediately to preserve evidence and protect your rights.
How to Contact the Georgia State Patrol After a Truck Accident
If you or a loved one has been involved in a serious truck accident in Georgia, it’s important to contact law enforcement promptly to obtain an official crash report and ensure the incident is properly investigated.
The Georgia State Patrol (GSP) investigates most major accidents on Georgia’s highways, including crashes involving tractor-trailers.
There are three ways to request a crash report or follow up on an investigation:
Online: Visit BuyCrash.com to download the Report.
Phone: Call the Georgia State Patrol Post that handled the investigation. For crashes on I-85 in Jackson County, contact:
GSP Post 32 – Athens; Phone: (706) 552-4439
In Person: You can also visit your local GSP Post or the Department of Public Safety Headquarters at: 959 United Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30316
Having an official crash report is crucial when filing an insurance claim or pursuing a wrongful death or personal injury claim after a commercial truck accident.
If you need help obtaining your Georgia crash report or understanding your legal rights after a truck accident, the truck accident attorneys at Fob James Law Firm can help guide you through the process and protect your claim.
Fob James Law Firm: Advocating for Victims of Trucking Accidents
At Fob James Law Firm, our attorneys represent families across Alabama and Georgia who have suffered devastating losses in commercial truck crashes. We fight to hold negligent drivers and trucking companies accountable and pursue full justice for our clients.
We offer free consultations and handle all truck accident cases on a contingency-fee basis — meaning you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you.
📞 Call 866-837-1010 or submit your information online to schedule your free case evaluation today.
Fob James
Fob James obtained a B.S., in software engineering from Auburn University and then continued his education by getting his J.D. from Vanderbilt University School of Law. After working for a large regional firm for several years where he obtained awards for both individual and corporate clients, Fob found that his passion was fighting for individuals who have been seriously injured or wronged by others. Fob believes that the jury is the great equalizer to the power and influence that large corporations have in society.