Lamar County crash claims life of Barnesville man Kaleb Spell
In Lamar County, Georgia, a tragic collision on the morning of Tuesday, November 4, 2025, claimed the life of 40-year-old Kaleb Spell of Barnesville and left a young child seriously injured. According to the Georgia State Patrol (GSP), the crash occurred around 7:35 a.m. on State Route 7 at the intersection with Northwood Drive in southern Lamar County.
The fatal crash involved two vehicles: a Toyota Camry, driven by Kaleb Spell, which was traveling westbound on Northwood Drive, and a Jeep Grand Cherokee, traveling northbound on State Route 7. Preliminary findings indicate that the Camry stopped at the intersection but then failed to yield to oncoming traffic, pulling directly into the path of the Jeep. The Jeep struck the driver’s side of the Camry, resulting in a devastating impact.
The Lamar County Coroner, Clay Tillery, identified Kaleb Spell as the victim. Emergency responders arrived quickly, but despite their best efforts, Spell was pronounced deceased at the scene from injuries sustained during the collision. His death has deeply saddened his family, friends, and the broader Barnesville community.
In addition to the fatality, officials confirmed that a young child, who was a passenger in the Camry, sustained serious injuries. The child was airlifted to a trauma center in Macon for emergency medical treatment and remains in critical condition. Authorities have not yet released the child’s name due to privacy concerns.
The driver and passengers of the Jeep Grand Cherokee have not been publicly identified, and their conditions were not detailed in the early investigation. The Georgia State Patrol’s Specialized Collision Reconstruction Team (SCRT) is continuing to analyze the crash scene to determine contributing factors. Investigators are looking into whether driver distraction, visibility issues, or roadway conditions may have played a role in the accident.
The crash site—the intersection of State Route 7 and Northwood Drive—is a well-traveled section of highway known for its busy morning traffic and limited sight distance for vehicles attempting to cross or enter the highway. Local residents have previously expressed concerns about the safety of the intersection, urging improvements such as better signage or traffic signals.
Kaleb Spell, 40, was a lifelong resident of Barnesville, remembered by neighbors and coworkers as a kind, hardworking, and dependable man. Friends describe him as someone who always greeted others with a smile and was devoted to his family. His passing has left a void in the tight-knit community that knew him well.
Following the accident, troopers closed both lanes of State Route 7 for several hours while investigators collected evidence, documented skid marks, examined vehicle damage, and interviewed witnesses. The GSP is also reviewing potential dash-cam or surveillance footage from nearby properties to better understand the sequence of events leading to the crash.
In a public reminder, the Georgia State Patrol emphasized the importance of full stops, careful observation, and patience at intersections—especially when entering highways from side roads. Officials noted that even familiar routes can be dangerous if drivers assume traffic is clear.
Community members in Barnesville and Lamar County have begun organizing memorial efforts to honor Kaleb Spell’s memory and to support the injured child and their family. Local churches and civic organizations have reached out to offer comfort and assistance during this difficult time.
As of now, the investigation remains active and ongoing, with final findings expected once all forensic and mechanical analyses are complete. The GSP will release a full report in the coming weeks.
The residents of Barnesville and surrounding areas continue to grieve the loss of Kaleb Spell, a man described as generous, dedicated, and deeply loved by his family. The community’s focus now turns to supporting the young child who survived and ensuring that lessons from this heartbreaking tragedy help prevent future accidents on Georgia’s roads.
