Release from the Georgia State Patrol

On 8/5/2016 at approximately 1238 hours, TFC Patrick Orr responded to a single vehicle collision on I-75 southbound at Exit 18 (GA 133).

A black 2014 Chevrolet Silverado, driven by 51 year old Philip Keith Stith of Hahira, GA was traveling south on I-75 in the left lane.

The vehicle left the east shoulder of the roadway and traveled into the median. The vehicle then struck a guard rail face with the driver’s side of the vehicle. The vehicle continued southbound in the median and struck a guard rail end with the front passenger side of the vehicle.

After impact, the vehicle continued to travel southbound in the median and struck a concrete bridge support at the Exit 18 overpass with the front end of the vehicle.

Mr. Stith was trapped and extricated by the Valdosta Fire Department. He was unrestrained and airbag deployment was observed. Mr. Stith was transported to South Georgia Medical Center by Lowndes County EMS for his injuries. Mr. Stith was then flown to Shands Hospital in Gainesville, FL via AirMed.

Mr. Stith is currently in critical condition at Shands Hospital. Troopers do not suspect alcohol or drugs to be a contributing factor in this collision.

Troopers will continue to investigate the collision to determine any factors that contributed to the vehicle traveling off the roadway. Charges will be pending in this collision.

The left southbound lane of I-75 at Exit 18 was closed for approximately 30 minutes during the extrication.