Good Samaritan Killed After Being Crushed by Ambulance While Helping Stranded Driver Near Athens

The impact pushed all three vehicles onto the shoulder and trapped both drivers underneath the ambulance, troopers said.

Mar. 17, 2026 at 3:40am

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A 48-year-old man from Monroe, Georgia named John Carter Martin was killed on Sunday night after he stopped to help a stranded driver on Atlanta Highway east of Whitehead Road in Oconee County. While Martin and the other driver were outside their vehicles trying to fix the disabled car, a Northeast Georgia Medical Center ambulance struck the rear of the disabled vehicle, pushing all three vehicles onto the shoulder and trapping both drivers underneath the ambulance.

Why it matters

This tragic incident highlights the risks that Good Samaritans face when trying to help others on the side of the road. It also raises questions about ambulance safety protocols and whether more could be done to protect both emergency responders and bystanders in these types of situations.

The details

According to Georgia State Patrol troopers, the crash happened around 9:50 p.m. on Sunday. A white Toyota Camry had become disabled in the westbound lane of Atlanta Highway, and Martin, who was driving a maroon Ford F-150, stopped to help the other driver. As the two men were outside their vehicles trying to fix the Camry, a Northeast Georgia Medical Center ambulance traveling westbound struck the rear of the disabled Camry. The impact pushed all three vehicles onto the north shoulder of the road and trapped both drivers underneath the ambulance. Martin died at the scene from his injuries, while the other driver was seriously hurt and taken to a nearby hospital for treatment.

  • The crash happened around 9:50 p.m. on Sunday, March 16, 2026.

The players

John Carter Martin

A 48-year-old man from Monroe, Georgia who stopped to help a stranded driver and was killed when an ambulance struck the disabled vehicle.

Northeast Georgia Medical Center

The medical center that operated the ambulance involved in the fatal crash.

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What’s next

The Georgia State Patrol is investigating the crash to determine the exact cause and whether any charges will be filed against the ambulance driver.

The takeaway

This heartbreaking story serves as a somber reminder of the dangers that can arise when trying to assist others on the roadside, and underscores the need for increased safety measures to protect both emergency responders and Good Samaritans in these situations.