Motorcyclist in last week's deadly Powder Springs crash identified

POWDER SPRINGS, Ga. - The Cobb County Police Department's Special Operations STEP (Selective Traffic Enforcement Program) Unit is investigating a fatal collision that occurred on C.H. James Parkway at the intersection with Brownsville Road at approximately 8:19 p.m. July 26.

Preliminary investigations indicate that Nathaniel T. Cope, 31, of Hiram, was riding his white 2008 Suzuki GSXR 600 motorcycle eastbound on C.H. James Parkway in the right travel lane. At the same time, Marco A. Rivera, 33, of Powder Springs, was driving his white 2022 Chevrolet Silverado westbound on C.H. James Parkway in the left turn lane.

As Rivera initiated a left turn, his vehicle entered the path of Cope's motorcycle. The front of the Suzuki collided with the right side of the Chevrolet, causing Cope to be thrown from the motorcycle. Both Cope and the motorcycle came to an uncontrolled stop in the eastbound lanes of C.H. James Parkway, while Rivera brought his Chevrolet to a controlled stop on Brownsville Road.

Tragically, Cope was pronounced dead at the scene by personnel from the Cobb County Medical Examiner’s Office. His next of kin has been notified. Marco A. Rivera was uninjured in the collision.

The investigation into this collision is ongoing. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Cobb County Police Department at 770-499-3987.