Decade-Old Fatal Accident Resurfaces in Georgia Lt. Governor Race

Allegations of a 'swept under the rug' incident spark political tensions in quiet campaign.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 4:52pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A moody, atmospheric painting of a lone car on a rural highway at dusk, with warm light and deep shadows creating a sense of solitude and contemplation, conceptually representing the lingering impact of a tragic accident.A tragic accident that claimed a life a decade ago has resurfaced in a heated political race, exposing the lasting impact of such events.Atlanta Today

A tragic 2016 accident that killed a bicyclist has resurfaced as a political issue in the race for Georgia's lieutenant governor. Candidate Michael Blake Tillery, who was the driver in the incident, is facing scrutiny from a rival candidate, David Clark, over the handling of the case a decade ago.

Why it matters

The resurfacing of this decade-old accident highlights the role that personal histories can play in political campaigns, especially in tight races where candidates are seeking to gain an edge. It also raises questions about transparency and accountability in the aftermath of such tragic events.

The details

In April 2016, 44-year-old Mark Takaya was struck and killed by a car driven by Michael Blake Tillery, who was then the chairman of the Toombs County Commission. The Georgia State Patrol investigated the incident and determined that Tillery's back tire hit Takaya's bike, causing him to be thrown from the bicycle. No charges were filed in connection with the accident.

  • The fatal accident occurred on April 11, 2016, on Highway 292 in Toombs County, near a Vidalia Walmart.
  • Tillery is currently running for the Republican nomination for Georgia lieutenant governor, with the primary election scheduled for May 19, 2026.

The players

Michael Blake Tillery

A state senator running for the Republican nomination for Georgia lieutenant governor. Tillery was the driver in the 2016 accident that killed a bicyclist.

David Clark

A Gwinnett County businessman running for the Republican nomination for Georgia lieutenant governor. Clark has raised questions about the handling of the 2016 accident involving Tillery.

Mark Takaya

A 44-year-old bicyclist who was killed in the 2016 accident involving Tillery.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“A decade ago, Blake had a tragic car accident. A man lost his life. It was the worst day in Blake's life and the worst day in the lives of the family that lost a loved one.”

— Tillery Campaign Spokesperson

“The reason this is being raised now is because Blake is running for lieutenant governor. To use a tragedy for political points signals a campaign struggling for relevance and reeks of gutter politics.”

— Tillery Campaign Spokesperson

What’s next

The allegations and political tensions surrounding the 2016 accident are likely to continue to be a focus in the lead-up to the May 19 primary election for Georgia's lieutenant governor.

The takeaway

This case highlights the delicate balance between personal histories and political ambitions, as well as the importance of transparency and accountability in the aftermath of tragic events. The resurfacing of this decade-old accident underscores the need for candidates to address such issues head-on and with sensitivity.