A mother and her 17-year-old son tragically lost their lives last week in Georgia when a train collided with their car. The accident occurred on Thursday morning on Highway 159 near Double Run Road, according to statements from the Wilcox County Sheriff's Office and a spokesperson from the Georgia Department of Public Safety.
According to a preliminary report from the Georgia State Patrol obtained by PEOPLE on Wednesday, investigators determined that their 2016 Kia Optima was struck by a CSX freight train after the vehicle ignored the safety arms at a railroad crossing.
Georgia officers stated in the report that the crossing arms were "activated and down" and the crossing lights were "active, illuminated, and flashing."
"The driver of the Kia Optima disregarded the southbound crossing arms while veering left," the report stated. "As the vehicle entered the intersection, the front of the eastbound train collided with the passenger side of the vehicle.
The car was being driven by 17-year-old Dallas Corbin Dozier, according to the Georgia State Patrol. The passenger was identified as 34-year-old Brandy Elizabeth Drinnon. Both were pronounced dead at the scene of the accident.
When officers arrived at the scene, the train was blocking the intersection and the Kia was off the road, as reported by ABC affiliate WMAZ-TV. Wilcox County Sheriff Robert Rodgers stated that witnesses claimed to have seen the Kia drive past the safety arms before the collision, as reported by the outlet.
The investigation into the incident is ongoing.
Dozier attended Hawkinsville High School and enjoyed "playing video games" and "spending time with his cousins" during his free time, according to his obituary.
Drinnon "was a self-employed tattoo artist" and enjoyed "drawing, traveling, music, fishing, going to the beach, and being with her family and children," according to her obituary.
"Any donations and/or prayers would be greatly appreciated," wrote Drinnon's sister, Kimberly Dixon, in the description of the family's GoFundMe campaign.
Originally posted at Abogados de Choques
