Ga. Man Struck, Killed by Car in Franklin

A 23-year-old Georgia man was killed in a pedestrian accident in Franklin on Saturday evening.

According to Captain Steve Apel with the Franklin Police Department, the victim was Jimmy Ebarb, of Ellijay, Ga. Apel says Ebarb was walking across the Highlands Road exit near the 441 by-pass just after dark when he was struck by an oncoming truck.He was transported to Mission Hospital, where he died from injuries on Sunday. The driver, 43-year-old John Booker of Cullowhee, was not injured.Captain Apel says Booker will not face charges.

“We’re not finding the driver of the vehicle at fault. There are no signs of excessive speed at all and there are no signs of alcohol involved on the driver. We’re still waiting to see if the victim had any alcohol in his system.”

Booker’s passenger, a juvenile, did sustain minor injuries but refused treatment.