SANDY SPRINGS, Ga. — A fiery crash and a subsequent hit-and-run on I-285 eastbound near Northside Drive in Sandy Springs put three people in the hospital.
Jeannie Smithwick was involved in a crash with another car around 2 a.m. on April 17. The crash resulted in a fiery explosion. That's when another driver pulled over to help out. As the Good Samaritan was helping the two drivers out, Sandy Springs Police say a fourth driver in a blue Ford Mustang crashed into all of them - then, took off.
Twelve days later, Smithwick is still in the hospital in serious condition.
She was working at Varner's Restaurant and Tavern before the crash. And now, her work family is trying to raise money for her care.
“When you saw her, you were happy. She never ever brought the room down. She’s always positive and upbeat," said Nick Hanratty, the general manager.
On Monday night, the local restaurant was raising funds through a silent auction items, as well as raffling tickets.
“We are trying to raise money for her. Her family, her mother works here too - Denise - she’s one of our employees, as well," Hanratty said. “Just hoping to be as helpful as we can to the family, and for Jeannie and her mother, and any way we can help. That’s what we are here for. We are all family here.”
Meanwhile, police are still searching for that Mustang that left the crash scene. Anyone who has information on the driver is asked to call the Sandy Springs Police Department at 770-551-6900.
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