Woman Killed in Highway 53 Head-On Collision

A 58-year-old Gainesville woman died Monday afternoon in a head-on collision with a SUV on Highway 53 in northeast Forsyth County, a  press release stated.

Clara Garmon was driving west in a 2006 Chevrolet Colorado pickup around 4:13 p.m. when her vehicle hydroplaned as she was approaching the intersection of Highway 53 and Truman Mountain Road. She lost control of the pickup and crossed into the turning lane striking a 2011 Chevrolet Suburban driven by Brent Christopher Ehrler 35, of Redlands, Calif., who was traveling east on Highway 53.

Garmon's pickup spun counter clockwise and came to an uncontrolled stop on the north side of Highway 53. Ehrler was unable to avoid the crash and came to a controlled stop on the south side of the highway, according to Cpl. David Garrison.

Both drivers were wearing their seat belts, but Garmon’s seat belt broke, ejecting her into the bed of the truck. She was pronounced dead at the scene, the press release stated.

Ehrler was treated on the scene and refused transport to a hospital, according to Capt. Jason Shivers of the .

"He was stable and in good health," Shivers said.

The highway and road were closed for several hours while authorities were conducting the accident investigation.

No alcohol or drugs are suspected in the collision and the investigation is ongoing.

This is the fifth head-on collision in the county since May.

If you're interested in this story, here are a few others: