For families and neighbors in Whitfield County, the quiet of a Tuesday morning turned into heartbreak when Daniel Lee Quinn, 43, was struck and killed by a vehicle on South Dixie Highway. The Whitfield County Coroner’s Office officially confirmed his identity late Thursday after bringing clarity to a crash that initially left responders searching for answers.
Authorities say the deadly collision happened on Tuesday, January 27, along one of the county’s busiest stretches of road. Quinn was hit by a vehicle and responders rushed to the scene, but his injuries were too severe. He was pronounced dead at the location of the crash.
When first responders arrived, they could not immediately identify Quinn. That delay meant his family was not notified right away. The coroner’s office worked to confirm who he was before any public announcement.
At this time, officials have shared very little about what led up to the collision. It’s not clear where Quinn was walking, why he was near the roadway, or what direction the vehicle was traveling when the crash happened. There is also no information yet on whether it was daylight or dark at the time, or whether weather or visibility played a part.
The driver involved in the crash has not been publicly identified. Authorities have not said whether they remained at the scene, or if charges are being considered. There are also no details yet released about the vehicle involved or whether speed, impairment, or other factors were involved. Investigators say the inquiry is ongoing, and more facts may come out as that process continues.
Officials are urging caution on busy roads like South Dixie Highway. They say both drivers and walkers need to be alert. For pedestrians, staying visible and away from high-speed traffic is essential. For drivers, slowing down and watching out for people near the road can save lives.
Friends and family are left grieving the loss of Quinn, a man just 43 years old. His death is a stark reminder of the dangers people face every day on roadways across the region and across the country.
