An Amazon delivery driver is at the center of a tragic accident that occurred in Cherokee County, Georgia. The incident has left the community shocked and grieving. Authorities have confirmed that the driver, 24-year-old London Besse, struck and killed a 79-year-old woman, Sandra Fitts, as she was walking along the side of a road near Canton Cemetery. What followed has raised questions about accountability and safety.
The Fatal Accident
The accident took place near the Canton Cemetery along the Coming Highway around 6:30 PM. Sandra Fitts, a 79-year-old resident, had just left the cemetery and was walking to her home nearby. The journey, only a short distance, turned tragic as an Amazon delivery truck, later identified as a Rivian, struck her. Fitts died at the scene from the impact. Witnesses noted that the stretch of road where the accident happened is particularly dangerous for pedestrians, especially during the evening hours.
Fitts’ husband was nearby when the incident occurred, adding to the tragedy’s emotional toll. Evidence collected from the roadway, including debris, quickly pointed investigators toward an Amazon vehicle.
Driver Identified and Arrested
A breakthrough in the investigation came when a deputy recalled seeing an Amazon truck turning onto a nearby road shortly after the accident. Authorities tracked the vehicle and found it less than a mile away on Bishop Drive, where the driver, London Besse, was actively delivering a package.
Besse was arrested and charged with vehicular homicide in the first degree and hit-and-run resulting in death. Law enforcement emphasized that if Besse had remained at the scene instead of fleeing, the charges might not have included felonies.
Amazon’s Response
Amazon issued a statement expressing condolences to the family of Sandra Fitts. The company stated: “We are deeply saddened by this incident, and our thoughts are with the victim’s family and loved ones during this difficult time. We will support local police as they investigate.” While the statement underscores the company’s commitment to assisting law enforcement, it also highlights the seriousness of the event and the need for further examination of safety practices.
Community Reacts
Residents of the area expressed their disbelief and concern over the incident. Romney, a local who frequently sees Amazon delivery trucks in the neighborhood, called the situation “very unfortunate.” He added, “There’s no reason for that. I get that you’re freaked out when something like this happens, but you have to stop.”
The tragic death of Sandra Fitts has sparked conversations about road safety, pedestrian hazards, and the pressures placed on delivery drivers, particularly those working for major companies like Amazon.
Legal Consequences
Besse remains in custody at the Cherokee County Jail without bond. Authorities have stressed the gravity of leaving the scene of an accident, a decision that significantly altered the legal consequences Besse now faces. Vehicular homicide in the first degree and hit-and-run are serious charges that carry severe penalties.
Broader Implications
This incident highlights several critical issues: the safety of pedestrians on poorly lit roads, the need for better oversight of delivery drivers, and the impact of corporate policies on driver behavior. As the case unfolds, it may lead to calls for stricter safety regulations, enhanced driver training, and improved infrastructure to prevent such tragedies in the future.
A Community in Mourning
Sandra Fitts’ death has left her family and the community mourning a life lost in such a preventable way. The tragedy underscores the importance of accountability, both at the individual and corporate levels, to ensure public safety.
The investigation is ongoing, and the family of Sandra Fitts, along with the Cherokee County community, awaits justice and answers in the wake of this devastating event.
