Lassiter High Grad, 1 Other Killed In 2 Fatal Crashes: Police

COBB COUNTY, GA — Cobb County police are investigating two fatal car crashes killing two people and injuring another, including a recent Lassiter High School graduate.

Lassiter High grad Dylan Nekrasas, 19, was driving a motorcycle eastbound on Big Shanty Road at 2:34 p.m. Saturday when he hit a BMW, driven by 27-year-old Olivia Swanigan of Mississippi, Cobb police said. Nekrasas flew off the motorcycle and landed in the road.

Walter Leeper, 68, of Acworth was driving westbound on Big Shanty Road when he ran over Nekrasas after he landed in the road. Medical personnel tried to save Nekrasas, but he was pronounced dead on the scene, authorities said.

Swanigan was taken to Wellstar Kennestone Hospital for treatment of chest pains and shortness of breath. Police said Leeper was not injured in the collision.

Investigators said they suspect speed played a factor in the incident and do not anticipate any charges.

Then on Tuesday at 7:54 a.m., 41-year-old Paul Hester of Marietta was driving on Summer Mist Cove when he experienced a medical emergency, causing him to lose consciousness, according to police. Hester then drove off the road and hit a tree.

He was taken to Wellstar Kennestone Hospital, where he died from his injuries. Next of kin have been notified for both Hester and Nekrasas.

The Lassiter Parent Teacher Student Association posted an online tribute page for Nekrasas, who was a student at Kennesaw State University. A celebration of life service is scheduled for Saturday at 3 p.m. at Northside Chapel, located at 12050 Crabapple Road in Roswell, East Cobb News reported.

Both crashes remain under investigation, and anyone with information is asked to call 770-499-3987.