MARTINEZ, Georgia — Family members, friends and residents of the Martinez community are mourning the reported death of 40-year-old Samuel May following a pedestrian-vehicle collision early Saturday morning, September 26, 2026.
According to information provided for this report, deputies from the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office and emergency medical crews responded at approximately 12:33 a.m. to a collision on Old Evans Road near Briarwood Drive.
County road records confirm that both Old Evans Road and Briarwood Drive are located in the Martinez area of Columbia County.
The supplied account states that May was walking along Old Evans Road with a friend when he was struck by a vehicle travelling in the same general direction.
Emergency personnel reportedly attempted life-saving measures, but May was pronounced dead at the scene.
The exact circumstances leading to the collision remain under investigation.
What Happened on Old Evans Road?
According to the account provided, Samuel May was walking westbound on Old Evans Road with another person during the early morning hours.
A westbound vehicle reportedly struck May with its front end near the intersection with Briarwood Drive.
Emergency services were called to the area shortly afterward.
Responders reportedly attempted to treat May at the scene, but the injuries he sustained were fatal.
No independently verified public information was located confirming whether May was walking in the roadway, on the shoulder or in another part of the traffic area at the moment of impact.
That detail, along with lighting, visibility and vehicle speed, may form part of the ongoing investigation.
Samuel May Pronounced Dead at the Scene
The supplied report says May suffered serious injuries in the collision and was pronounced dead despite the efforts of emergency medical personnel.
He was reportedly 40 years old.
No additional verified information has been made available regarding his medical condition immediately after the crash, and no public autopsy or coroner information was located for this update.
The reported death has nevertheless prompted concern and sadness among people connected to the Martinez community.
Driver Identified in Supplied Report
The account provided for this article identifies the driver as 20-year-old Tyrese Perkins of Augusta.
According to the report, Perkins remained at the scene after the collision and cooperated with deputies.
The supplied information further states that he told investigators he did not see the pedestrian in the roadway before the collision occurred.
However, an independent current official or reputable local-news source confirming the identity of the driver was not located.
For that reason, the driver’s name should be regarded as preliminary information pending official confirmation.
Sheriff’s Office Reportedly Investigating the Crash
The Columbia County Sheriff’s Office Traffic Engineering and Reconstruction Unit was reportedly assigned to investigate the collision.
Traffic reconstruction investigations typically examine factors such as:
- Vehicle speed
- Roadway lighting
- Visibility
- Position of the pedestrian
- Vehicle direction
- Tire marks and debris
- Road design
- Weather conditions
- Driver statements
- Witness accounts
Investigators may also review vehicle data, nearby surveillance footage and other physical evidence to determine how the collision occurred.
No official conclusion regarding fault or criminal responsibility was available in the information provided.
Visibility May Be Part of the Investigation
One of the major questions surrounding an overnight pedestrian collision is whether the driver had enough time and visibility to see the person in or near the roadway.
The reported crash occurred shortly after midnight, when darkness may have affected visibility.
However, it has not been independently established whether lighting conditions, clothing, road design, weather, vehicle speed or any other factor contributed to the crash.
Those issues should remain matters for investigators to determine.
No Charges Confirmed
There is currently no independently verified information confirming that the driver has been charged with any offense.
Remaining at the scene and speaking with investigators does not establish fault, and the cause of the collision must be determined through the investigation.
Until authorities release further information, any claims about criminal charges, negligence or responsibility would be premature.
Martinez Pedestrian Crash: Key Details
| Detail | Reported Information |
|---|---|
| Name | Samuel May |
| Reported age | 40 |
| Location | Martinez, Georgia |
| Date | September 26, 2026 |
| Approximate time | 12:33 a.m. |
| Crash location | Old Evans Road near Briarwood Drive |
| Incident type | Pedestrian-vehicle collision |
| Reported victim | Pedestrian |
| Reported driver | Tyrese Perkins, 20, of Augusta |
| Investigating agency | Columbia County Sheriff’s Office |
| Investigative unit | Traffic Engineering and Reconstruction Unit |
| Driver remained at scene | Reportedly yes |
| Charges announced | Not independently confirmed |
| Investigation status | Reportedly ongoing |
Community Mourns Samuel May
The reported death of Samuel May has left those who knew him grieving.
At the time of publication, there was no independently verified public information regarding May’s occupation, family background, education or personal history.
No obituary from a funeral home, family statement or memorial announcement was located for this update.
As a result, it would be inappropriate to speculate about his personal life beyond the limited information currently available.
Friends and relatives may release additional details once arrangements are finalized.
Funeral and Memorial Information
No confirmed funeral, visitation or memorial service details for Samuel May were publicly available at the time of this report.
Families often release service information through a funeral home, obituary notice, church announcement or personal statement after arrangements are complete.
Readers looking for memorial information should rely on announcements made directly by the family or a verified funeral home.
Pedestrian Safety on Local Roads
Pedestrian collisions can be especially dangerous because people on foot have little protection when struck by a moving vehicle.
Drivers travelling at night should use additional caution in areas where pedestrians may be present.
Important safety practices include:
- Reducing speed in poorly lit areas
- Watching carefully near intersections
- Avoiding distracted driving
- Keeping headlights properly maintained
- Staying alert for pedestrians on road shoulders
Pedestrians should also use sidewalks where available, remain visible and avoid unexpectedly entering active traffic lanes.
What Happens During a Fatal Crash Investigation?
When a collision results in a death, investigators may conduct a detailed reconstruction before reaching conclusions about what happened.
The process can include:
- Photographing and documenting the crash scene
- Measuring vehicle positions
- Examining tire marks and impact points
- Interviewing drivers and witnesses
- Reviewing available camera footage
- Inspecting the vehicle
- Examining roadway conditions
- Reviewing medical or toxicology information when relevant
The final findings can take time and may differ from initial reports released immediately after a crash.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Samuel May?
Samuel May was reportedly a 40-year-old man who died after being struck by a vehicle on Old Evans Road in Martinez, Georgia.
When did the Martinez pedestrian crash happen?
The collision was reported at approximately 12:33 a.m. on Saturday, September 26, 2026.
Where did the crash occur?
The reported collision happened on Old Evans Road near Briarwood Drive in Martinez.
Was Samuel May walking when he was hit?
According to the supplied report, May was walking westbound with a friend when he was struck by a westbound vehicle.
Who was driving the vehicle?
The supplied account identifies the driver as 20-year-old Tyrese Perkins of Augusta, but that identity was not independently confirmed through an authoritative current source.
Did the driver stay at the scene?
According to the supplied information, the driver remained at the scene and spoke with deputies.
Were any charges filed?
No charges were independently confirmed in the information reviewed for this article.
Who is investigating the crash?
The supplied report states that the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office Traffic Engineering and Reconstruction Unit is investigating.
Has Samuel May’s funeral been announced?
No verified funeral or memorial arrangements were publicly available at the time of this update.
Final Update
The reported death of Samuel May following a pedestrian collision on Old Evans Road has brought sadness to the Martinez community.
According to the information provided, May was walking with a friend early Saturday morning when he was struck by a westbound vehicle near Briarwood Drive.
Emergency responders reportedly attempted to save him, but he was pronounced dead at the scene.
The Columbia County Sheriff’s Office was said to be investigating the circumstances surrounding the collision, including visibility, roadway conditions and the events immediately before impact.
Several important details, including the identities of the victim and driver, have not been independently confirmed through a current authoritative public source and should therefore remain classified as preliminary until officially verified.
Accuracy Note
The locations of Old Evans Road and Briarwood Drive in Martinez, Georgia are consistent with county road records.
However, a current official police release or reputable local-news report independently confirming the reported fatal collision, Samuel May’s identity, the driver’s identity or the exact circumstances of the crash was not located for this rewrite.
Accordingly, those details are based on the supplied account and should be verified against official law-enforcement records before publication as confirmed fact.