By Shawn Henry 
Authorities in Jackson County, Georgia, have confirmed an eighth fatality in the devastating crash that occurred Monday afternoon on Interstate 85 north. Investigators say all eight victims were inside a Dodge minivan that was struck from behind by a tanker semi-truck, sparking a chain reaction that engulfed the van in flames.
The Jackson County Coroner’s Office reported that the victims ranged in age from 2 to 42 years old — all members of the same family. The crash, which took place just south of mile marker 147 around 4 p.m., involved six vehicles in total. The Dodge van bore the brunt of the impact, leaving no survivors inside.
The Georgia State Patrol initially reported seven fatalities at the scene but confirmed late Tuesday that an eighth victim had been located. The accident is now being called one of the deadliest highway crashes in Georgia in recent years.
Authorities have arrested the tanker driver, identified as Kane Hammock, who now faces a series of serious charges: eight counts of second-degree vehicular homicide, second-degree vehicular feticide, following too closely, distracted driving, and operating a vehicle without a current plate. Investigators believe Hammock’s truck was traveling too closely behind the Dodge van when traffic slowed, leaving him unable to stop in time.
The fiery crash also involved the Atlanta-based FurKids Animal Rescue group, which was traveling nearby, transporting 37 cats to Vermont. Although the rescue van was damaged, none of its staff were killed. Two cats remain missing after fleeing the wreckage, and the group continues to search for them while tending to injured animals.
Officials say cleanup and investigation efforts along I-85 lasted several hours as firefighters worked to extinguish the blaze. The section of highway was closed until early Tuesday morning.
This tragic accident has shaken the Jackson County community and left a family of eight — including a toddler — lost to what authorities say was a preventable act of distracted driving. As the investigation continues, residents and local organizations are uniting to offer support to those affected.
John 
Eve