Seven-month-old Kalayia Tolbert and 33-year-old Cameron Gabriel Kemp of Covington, Georgia, have died following a 10-vehicle crash on Interstate 20 in DeKalb County. The collision occurred early Sunday morning after Georgia State Patrol troopers pursued a driver accused of fleeing a traffic stop at high speed.
According to the Georgia Department of Public Safety, the incident began at approximately 11:59 p.m. Saturday when a trooper spotted an Audi sedan traveling eastbound on I-20 at about 110 mph in a 60 mph zone. Authorities said the vehicle was being driven without headlights and was weaving recklessly through traffic.
The trooper activated emergency lights to initiate a traffic stop. Investigators said the driver briefly pulled onto the shoulder before accelerating away, prompting a pursuit. The Audi continued eastbound, exited the interstate at Candler Road, and later returned to I-20.
The pursuit ended near Wesley Chapel Road, where Kemp reportedly lost control of the Audi, struck a guardrail, and collided with multiple vehicles. A total of 10 vehicles were involved in the crash, leaving several people affected by the devastating incident.
Three infants were traveling in one of the vehicles struck during the collision. All three were transported to Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta for treatment. Tragically, Kalayia died from her injuries. Kemp was taken to Grady Memorial Hospital, where he also died from injuries sustained in the crash. Authorities have not released the conditions of the other two infants or the extent of injuries suffered by other motorists.
Troopers later determined that Kemp was driving with a suspended license and had two active arrest warrants, one reportedly related to a probation violation and another for failing to appear in court. Authorities also confirmed that he had previously been incarcerated by the Georgia Department of Corrections for aggravated battery.
The Georgia Department of Public Safety defended the trooper’s decision to initiate the traffic stop, citing the immediate danger posed by a vehicle traveling at extreme speed without headlights. The department also acknowledged the profound tragedy when a police pursuit results in the death of an innocent child, extending condolences to Kalayia’s family and recognizing the impact on other children, motorists, families, and first responders.
The Georgia State Patrol’s Specialized Collision Reconstruction Team responded to investigate the crash. The investigation remains ongoing, and officials have not yet released further details about the other people injured or the full circumstances surrounding the collision.
May Kalayia Tolbert rest in peace. ❤️