A 33-year-old truck driver has been arrested on multiple counts of vehicular homicide after a chain-reaction collision on Interstate 85 in Jackson County, Georgia, left eight members of one family dead, including five children.
Authorities say the semi struck a Dodge Grand Caravan from behind in the northbound lanes near Commerce around 4 p.m. on Oct. 13, 2025, igniting a fire that consumed the van and involved four other vehicles.
The arrest and charges were detailed by the Georgia Department of Public Safety and reported by the Associated Press, which noted that investigators from the Georgia State Patrol and the National Transportation Safety Board are examining the scene and vehicles involved.
What authorities say happened
State troopers said the semi was following too closely before it hit the back of the van along I-85 northbound just south of mile marker 147, setting off a “chain reaction” crash that damaged several vehicles and scattered debris across the roadway.
Seven people in the van were pronounced dead at the scene, and an eighth victim was later found in the wreckage as crews continued to search the burned vehicle.
Along with state investigators, the NTSB opened a safety investigation, a step that typically includes mapping the impact zone, downloading any available electronic logging or vehicle data, and inspecting braking systems, tires, and lighting.
The Georgia State Patrol’s Specialized Collision Reconstruction Team is leading on-scene measurements and interviews, according to the Georgia Department of Public Safety.
Charges and the investigation’s status
The driver, Kane Aaron Hammock of Gainesville, faces eight counts of second-degree vehicular homicide and one count of second-degree feticide by vehicle, pending autopsy confirmation, along with traffic violations that include following too closely, no registration, and failure to exercise due care, according to AP.
He was arrested by the Georgia State Patrol and booked into the Jackson County Jail. Court records listing counsel were not immediately available on Tuesday.
Officials cautioned that the charging decision could evolve as evidence is processed. Second-degree vehicular homicide in Georgia generally involves traffic offenses that lead to a death, and investigative findings from the NTSB and the state reconstruction team can inform prosecutors’ assessments.
ABC News reported that authorities confirmed the semi was traveling too close to the van when the collision occurred.
The victims and what families say
Authorities have not released official identifications, but relatives told Atlanta News First the van’s occupants included Kenia Ramirez and Darwin Ventura, their child Kayle, and that the couple was expecting another baby.
Also killed were Sonia Maribel Ramirez, Kenia’s mother, and children Justin, Andy, Natali, and Evan. Family members said the five children ranged from 2 to 16 years old. Officials emphasized that pregnancy status and formal identities will be confirmed by the coroner through autopsy and dental records.
Loved ones gathered at the scene and at area hospitals on Monday night and Tuesday morning. Community groups have begun organizing assistance for funeral and memorial costs, while local clergy and counselors coordinated with county services to support relatives and classmates of the children.
