Brothers, cousin die in mud bogging accident

MILLEDGEVILLE, Ga. — The two brothers tragically killed and their cousin who was critically injured at a recent mud bogging event near Milledgeville reportedly ran in front of the driver of a pickup truck who had been participating in a racing event, according to witnesses’ accounts.

Meanwhile, an ongoing investigation into the accident continues by troopers with the Georgia State Patrol Specialized Collision Reconstruction Team (SCRT).

Killed in the mishap on Father’s Day weekend at South Creek Mud Boggin’ off Irwinton Road, was 14-year-old Ryan Cole Moore, and his younger brother, Justin Bailey Moore, 11, both of whom lived at 580 Pioneer Road in Jones County, according to a report filed by Trooper Tyler Easter of the GSP post in Milledgeville.

Funerals for the Moore brothers were held last Friday.

Their cousin, Zachary Holloway, 11, of 825 Chambers Road, Macon, was critically injured and remains hospitalized at a medical facility in Jacksonville, Fla., authorities say.

The GSP report was obtained Tuesday from the Georgia Department of Public Safety in Atlanta at the request of The Union-Recorder.

Easter said Tommy Dwayne Howell, 50, of McRae, Ga. was driving a 1984 Chevrolet S-10 pickup truck in an eastbound direction while participating in a mud bogging event. Upon completing his pass through the mud pit, Howell’s truck was exiting the mud pit when Easter said Howell “failed to slow down and stop as he passed the exit of the racing area.”

Howell continued in the same direction at “a high rate of speed” before he went through a cable fence at the end of the racing area. After he broke through the cable fence and exited the racing area, Howell’s truck struck the three victims, Easter said in his report.

The trooper said Howell continued traveling across a field before his truck started rotating clockwise. The truck ended up turning over and rolling multiple times before coming to a final uncontrolled rest on its rooftop.

Easter said Howell told him he launched at the start of the track and shifted into third gear before he made it to the end. Howell added that when he came out of the mud pit and tried to stop, he realized the throttle was stuck, according to the GSP report.

Howell said he saw a group of children at the bottom of the hill near the end of the track and steered up the hill to avoid them, according to Easter’s report. The truck driver pointed out that as he ran through the cable fence, the group of children ran in front of him and he hit them before his truck turned over.

Two witnesses also talked with the initial investigating state trooper.

George Kelly, of Sparta, told Easter that he saw Howell lose control of his truck after he left the mud pit.

Another witness, meanwhile, identified as Emmett Yarbrough, of Gordon, told Easter that he also saw Howell lose control of his truck, corroborating what Howell said happened. Yarbrough also said the truck’s throttle got stuck and that Howell steered to the left of where the children were and said the children later ran in front of the truck.

News

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. to host Health Awareness event Friday

Community

W.G. Nunn Elementary School announces 2nd Nine Weeks Honor Roll 2024-25

News

Turner Center wraps up Youth Winter Art Camps

Crime Reports

Three from Adel, Valdosta face possible life sentences

News

Dan Kerrigan of Kerrigan Capital and Risk Management recognized as one of LPL Financial’s Top Financial Advisors

Columns

S. CHRISTIE MOORE: Lawsuit abuse in Georgia affects everyone

Community

Valdosta Middle School announces Term 2 Nine Weeks Honor Roll 2024-25

News

City of Valdosta utility customers may notice additional bill due to billing delays

Business

Gas prices in South Georgia creep upward

Local News

VHS names 2025 STAR Student and Teacher

Local News

Lowndes County Board of Commissioners receives budget award

Local News

Corbett elected to Alapaha Soil and Water Conservation District

Local News

Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. honors Valdosta chapter

Crime Reports

Man faces drug, weapons charges

Local News

City of Valdosta Community Protection Notice: Resumption of Pre-Hurricane Operations

Local News

Valdosta Public Works resumes regular sanitation schedule 

Local News

Southern Georgia Workforce Development Board (WDB) and Youth Committee meeting scheduled Feb. 18

Local News

Valdosta Lowndes County Development Authority Special Called Board meeting scheduled Feb. 12

News

J.L. Newbern Middle School announces 2nd Nine Weeks Honor Roll 2024-25

Community

Historic Photo of the Week Feb. 4

Community

S.L. Mason Elementary School announces 2nd Nine Weeks Honor Roll 2024-25

News

Download the January issue of Ag Scene!

News

Grant provides paid internships for VSU students

Community

Valdosta Early College Academy 2nd 9 Weeks Honor Roll 2024-25