(Duluth, Georgia)  The Gwinnett County Police Department Accident Investigation Unit is investigating a fatality accident that occurred on Sunday morning.  The accident occurred on March 3^rd, around 1:00 AM on Interstate 85 northbound south of Pleasant Hill Road in unincorporated Duluth.

Based on the preliminary investigation, a single vehicle accident occurred on Interstate 85 northbound, between a Ford Explorer, driven by Elvester Sykes (age 64, Lawrenceville) and the left median wall. Upon seeing this accident, Kayli Guthrie (age 20, Dacula) stopped her vehicle and exited to check on the driver of the Ford Explorer.

At the same time, Jonathan Gresham (age 27, Grayson) was approaching the accident scene in the left lane driving a Ford Fusion. Gresham attempted to brake, at which time his vehicle struck the rear of the Ford Explorer and continued between the Ford Explorer and the median wall. Unfortunately, Guthrie was standing outside of her vehicle directly in the path of Gresham’s vehicle and she was struck by Gresham’s vehicle. Guthrie died on scene as a result of her injuries.

Gresham continued for a half mile before stopping and calling 911.

Both vehicles were impounded to Gwinnett County Police Headquarters for further analysis. 

Speed is being investigated as a probable factor, with impairment being investigated as a definite factor.

Elvester Sykes was transported to a local hospital for treatment, but was charged with Driving Under the Influence – Less Safe in relation to his initial traffic accident.

Jonathan Gresham was arrested and charged with Homicide by Vehicle in the First Degree, Reckless Driving, Failure to Drive Within a Single Lane, and Driving Under the Influence – Less Safe.

This is an on-going investigation.