Motorcyclist Struck Several Times, Killed On I-20 In Cobb

MARIETTA, GA -- Police in Cobb County are investigating a fatal motorcycle accident in which the victim may have been struck by several vehicles Monday morning in Austell. Authorities said the crash happened on on westbound I-20, east of Thornton Road.

The rider of a black 2006 Suzuki G5XR1 motorcycle was speeding in the right lane when he happened upon slower traffic, according to a news release from Cobb police Spokesman Sgt. Dana Pierce. (To get notified of more local news like this, click here to sign up for the South Cobb Patch. Or find your Atlanta-area town here. Or, if you have an iPhone, download the free Patch app.)

"In an attempt to avoid striking other vehicles, the rider lost control of the motorcycle," Pierce said in the release. In the crash, the rider, identified as Marvin Pearson, 54, of Powder Springs, slid away from the bike and was struck by a white 2005 Freightliner semi tractor/trailer, police said.

Investigators believe that other vehicles also struck Pearson, who died at the scene.

The driver of the tractor/trailer, Edward Williams, 46, of Carrollton, was not injured and is not expected to be charged, police said.

The Cobb Police Department’s S.T.E.P. (Selective Traffic Enforcement Program) Unit is still investigating the crash. Anyone with information about it is asked to call (770) 499-3987.

Image via Cobb PD