Jackson County, Georgia (October 13, 2025) — Authorities have identified the eight victims killed in a devastating six-vehicle crash on Monday evening on Interstate 85 as members of a Gwinnett County family. According to the Georgia State Patrol, a tractor-trailer following too closely triggered a chain-reaction collision that caused the family’s van to catch fire, resulting in multiple fatalities.
Incident Details: The crash occurred on northbound I-85 just south of mile marker 147 around 5 p.m. and involved six vehicles, including a Dodge Grand Caravan carrying the victims. Investigators said a tractor-trailer driven by 31-year-old Kane Hammock was traveling too closely when it struck the back of the van, igniting a chain reaction among nearby vehicles. The van immediately caught fire, trapping its occupants inside.
Family members later identified the victims as Maribel Ramírez, 42; Darwin Ventura, 23; Kenia Ramírez, 22, who was three months pregnant; Justin Ramírez, 16; Andy Ramírez, 14; Natali Ramírez, 11; Kayle, 4; and Evan Ramírez, 3 — all residents of Gwinnett County. The family was reportedly en route to the Tanger Outlets when the crash occurred.
Hammock has since been arrested and charged with eight counts of vehicular homicide, feticide, distracted driving, and additional traffic violations.
Investigation: The Georgia State Patrol’s Specialized Collision Reconstruction Team, in partnership with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), is conducting a detailed investigation into the cause of the crash. Investigators will analyze extensive physical evidence from the scene, including skid marks, vehicle deformation, impact points, and fire origin patterns, to reconstruct the exact sequence of events.
They will also review the tractor-trailer’s onboard electronic logging device and data recorder to determine speed, following distance, and braking behavior in the moments before impact. Toxicology testing, mechanical inspections, and witness statements are also part of the inquiry. Additionally, investigators will assess roadway conditions, traffic flow, and potential visibility issues to determine whether negligence, fatigue, or distraction were contributing factors to the incident.
Legal Considerations: Crashes involving commercial trucks and multiple fatalities are among the most complex cases under Georgia law. When a driver follows too closely or fails to maintain proper control, they can be held liable for negligent operation. In this case, the presence of DUI or distracted driving allegations may also support enhanced criminal and civil penalties. Civil attorneys often work in conjunction with criminal investigators to preserve critical evidence such as dashcam footage, maintenance logs, and safety compliance records.
The Ramirez and Ventura families may pursue a wrongful death claim against both the driver and the trucking company to seek compensation for funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and emotional suffering.
I extend my deepest condolences to the Ramírez and Ventura families as they grieve this unthinkable tragedy.