Worker, Trooper Killed in Same I-75 Work Zone by Hit-and-Run Drivers

A contract worker for the Georgia Department of Transportation was struck and killed by a hit-and-run driver in a construction zone on Interstate 75.

Nathaniel B. McCrearyNathaniel McCreary GoFundMe pageThen less than 6 hours later, a state trooper investigating the incident was also struck by a hit-and-run driver and killed.

The crashes occurred on I-75 North near Mt. Zion Boulevard in Clayton County.

Nathaniel B. McCreary, 68, was struck at about 8 p.m. February 19 by an unknown driver of a black Kia Forte that intruded into the construction zone.

Then at 12:30 a.m. February 20, Georgia State Patrol Trooper 1^st Class Chase Redner, 31, was investigating the crash when he was struck by a vehicle, according to the Georgia Department of Public Safety. Redner had worked for the department since 2017.

Flags were flown at half-staff around the state for Redner after a decree by Governor Brian Kemp.

Georgia Department of Public Safety"As the second state patrolman to die in the line of duty in less than a month, our hearts are broken for his mother and fiancée, for his friends and community, and for the entire Department of Public Safety family," Kemp wrote in a statement. "This is an incredibly painful time for their elite ranks, and we ask that all Georgians – and those far beyond our state – pray for Trooper Redner's family, loved ones and colleagues."