Troopers Hunt Trucker After Hit-and-Run Kills Young U.S. Airman on I-24

by TRUCKERS VA
(UNITED STATES)

Introduction

One moment, you're lending a hand with a flat tire on the side of the road. The next, your life is gone — and the truck that hit you is already miles away.

That’s the devastating reality facing the family of Demetrius Norwood III, a 21-year-old U.S. Airman and father, who was struck and killed on Interstate 24 in Georgia while helping his girlfriend change a tire.

Now, troopers are searching for the truck driver who left the scene. But for truckers across the nation, this isn’t just another tragic headline — it’s a wake-up call about roadside safety, accountability, and how quickly life can change behind the wheel.

What Happened on I-24

On the night of November 2, 2025, Demetrius and his girlfriend were pulled over near mile marker 2 on Interstate 24 West, close to the Tennessee border in Dade County, Georgia. Their vehicle had lost a tire and was disabled in the right lane.

According to his girlfriend, Demetrius was outside the vehicle trying to fix the tire while she used her phone’s flashlight to signal oncoming traffic. That’s when a semi-truck swerved into their lane, struck Demetrius, and kept driving west without stopping.

No clear description of the truck or its driver has been released, and authorities are asking for the public’s help — especially from anyone with dashcam footage or who might’ve seen something.

The Aftermath: A Family Devastated, A Community Demanding Justice

Demetrius was not just an airman — he was a son, a brother, a father, and a friend. His family is heartbroken and pleading for answers. “Somebody saw something,” said his sister. “Even one detail could bring closure.”

Local law enforcement and the Georgia State Patrol have launched a full investigation, but time is of the essence. Leads go cold fast, and without tips, the trucker who struck Demetrius may never be held accountable.

Why This Matters to the Trucking Community

You might be thinking, “Tragic, but that’s not me.” But here’s the hard truth: this could be any trucker. And this could’ve been anyone pulled over on the shoulder.

Here’s why every driver — especially truckers — should pay close attention:

🚨 Stopped Vehicles Are Danger Zones

Shoulders and breakdown lanes are not safe zones. Vehicles stopped on the side of the road — especially at night — are sitting ducks for distracted, fatigued, or poorly trained drivers.

🛑 Fleeing the Scene is a Career-Ender

Let’s be blunt: if you hit someone and keep going, you’re not just breaking the law — you’re destroying lives. A split-second decision to flee can cost you your CDL, your career, and your freedom.

📢 The Industry is Watching

When these stories hit the news, public trust in truckers takes a hit. That impacts hiring, insurance rates, regulations, and how truckers are treated out on the road.

Lessons Every Trucker Should Take From This

✅ Slow Down Near Stopped Vehicles

If you see hazard lights, cones, or even a flashlight — back off and give room. Every extra foot counts.

✅ Stay Alert — Especially at Night

Night driving is no joke. Visibility is low, fatigue is high, and mistakes are deadly.

✅ Invest in a Dashcam

Dashcams aren’t just for protection — they’re proof. If you were involved in something, dash footage can clear your name or confirm what happened.

✅ Speak Up if You Saw Something

If you were near I-24 in Dade County that night and saw a truck swerving, pulling over, or speeding away — say something. Trucking isn’t just about wheels and freight — it’s about people.

Content Creators & Trainers: Use This Story

This isn’t just a tragedy — it’s a teachable moment.

🎥 Short-form hook: “A 21-year-old airman was killed roadside — here’s what truckers MUST do differently.”

🛑 Training point: Show your drivers how to properly scan the shoulder and react.

✍️ Blog title: “Hit-and-Run on I-24: 5 Safety Mistakes That Cost a Life”

Make it personal. Make it practical. Make it matter.

Bottom Line

Demetrius Norwood III deserved to make it home that night. Someone knows who hit him. And somewhere out there, a trucker is carrying the weight of a deadly decision.

This tragedy is a reminder to all of us in the trucking world — whether behind the wheel, in dispatch, or making safety videos — that we carry more than freight. We carry responsibility. We carry lives.

Don’t wait for a tragedy to adjust your habits. Stay alert. Stay accountable. And stay human.

🎬 Call to Action

Want to grow your trucking career the right way — with wisdom from real drivers who’ve lived it? Visit LifeAsATrucker.com
to learn how to start smarter and drive safer.

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