Two Transported for Injuries After Thursday Accident

Authorities say Stephens County Extension Agent Forrest Connelly was one of those injured in a two-vehicle accident this morning on the Toccoa By-pass.

The Georgia State Patrol says that Connelly, age 56, was traveling southbound on the By-pass, or Georgia Highway 17, this morning in the right lane in a 2005 Cadillac Deville when a 1991 GMC Sonoma driven by 64-year-old Carolyn Skaggs of Toccoa pulled out of Memorial Drive onto the By-pass.

Skaggs was traveling eastbound on Memorial Drive and had been stopped at the stop sign at the intersection with the By-pass before pulling out.

According to the GSP, Skaggs failed to recognize that Connelly was approaching and pulled into his path.

Authorities add that Connelly attempted to avoid impact by swerving left but was unsuccessful.

The GSP says her left front bumper struck his right front fender and wheel and both vehicles spun around and ended up in the middle divider.

Troopers say that Connelly was transported by helicopter to Greenville Memorial Hospital with head injuries.

Stephens County Sheriff Randy Shirley says that Connelly was conscious and alert when he was transported.

Skaggs was transported to Stephens County Hospital with complaint of injury, according to the GSP, who says she has been charged with Failure to Yield Right of Way.