“He loved this city”: Emerson community devastated by sudden loss of mayor, wife in DUI crash

EMERSON, Ga. - Residents in the small community of Emerson are grieving the sudden passing of city Mayor Al Pallone and his wife Camillia—both victims of a weekend car crash that authorities believe was caused by a drunk driver.

According to officials with the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office, the couple was driving down Knox Bridge Highway Saturday afternoon when a drunk driver collided with their Hyundai Santa Fe. 

The crash involved a total of four cars. The other victims and the drunk driver, identified as 50-year-old William Bryan Abernathy survived. All were rushed to the hospital for treatment.

Abernathy was taken into custody and charged with DUI, reckless driving, vehicular homicide and serious injury by vehicle. The severity of his injuries are unclear.

Emerson Mayor Al Pallone

Pallone and his wife had lived in the community for about 40 years.

"I would like to extend my condolences to the family and friends of Al and Millie," McBurnett wrote. "In addition to working together, Al and I had become good friends and I will miss him. To his family, thank you for sharing him with us. The City of Emerson is a better place because of him."

Gov. Brian Kemp offered condolences when news of their deaths broke on Sunday.

"It’s just tragic…just tragic," Mayor Pro Tem Vincent Wiley said of the tragic crash. "They were like family to my family, personally, so it’s [really] hard right now."  

Flags flew at half staff at the Emerson city government buildings Sunday where Pallone served his community for nearly 40 years. Pallone spent 23 years as a council member before he was elected mayor. Beyond the festive holiday lights surrounding the buildings, Wiley described the sense of loss in the community as heavy. 

"Christmas is supposed to be a time of love and giving and happiness, and right now it’s not," he told FOX 5. "We’re a city of about 1,500 people, and to lose one person, you know, it’s hard. But, to lose two--the mayor and his wife--it’s devastating," he explained. 

Together, the mayor and his wife shared 3 adult children and grandchildren. While the community is hurting, Wiley said they will lean on one another to get through the difficult times that lie ahead.  

"I just know that we have to come together in his name," he said. 

He also shared a sobering message to drivers:

"Don’t drink and drive. You’re not only affecting your life, you’re affecting the lives of others."  

To everyone else, Wiley encouraged them to hug their loved ones this holiday season. 

"You never know when it might be the last time that you see them," he said.

The City of Emerson’s final council meeting of the year is scheduled for this upcoming Monday, Dec. 12. Wiley said it would be the first meeting in decades that Mayor Pallone’s presence would not be felt. Wiley will serve as acting-mayor while Emerson city leaders decide what’s next.

This story is developing. Check back for details. If you have additional information, pictures, or video email newstipsatlanta@fox.com.