Family collecting money for scholarship fund in name of daughter killed crossing Kennesaw street

GoFundMe for teen hit by car

A GoFundMe has been established for Olivia Pugh, who was killed recently by an alleged drunk driver. The money will reportedly be used to fund a scholarship at the school she attended.

COBB COUNTY, Ga. - A pedestrian collision resulting in fatal injuries is under investigation by the Cobb County Police Department's Special Operations S.T.E.P. (Selective Traffic Enforcement Program) Unit. The incident occurred Dec. 8 around 8:20 p.m. on Ben King Road in Kennesaw.

Preliminary investigations indicate that a red 2017 GMC Acadia, driven by 68-year-old Jerome L. Cox from Powder Springs and carrying 66-year-old Jamie Cox, also from Powder Springs, was traveling eastbound on Ben King Road, approaching a marked crosswalk. At the same time, a group of juveniles was crossing the road at the designated crosswalk when the GMC collided with one of them. The impact propelled the juvenile into an uncontrolled rest in a wooded area on the shoulder.

Emergency services rushed the injured juvenile to Wellstar Kennestone Hospital in critical condition.

The juvenile, who Cobb County School District identified as Olivia Pugh, a Harrison High School student, died of her injuries at the hospital, according to the police department.

"It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden passing of a Harrison student. Our hearts are heavy, and we will keep the student's family, friends, and entire Harrison community in our thoughts, knowing the loss will be felt even more this holiday season," a district spokesperson told FOX 5. "Grief counselors will continue to be available to support students and staff. We do ask you to give our school family privacy during this time of grief."

Since her death, the family has established a GoFundMe meant to fund a scholarship at Harrison High School in her name.

Jerome L. Cox was taken into custody at the scene. He was original charged with DUI Alcohol – Less Safe, Obstruction, Serious Injury by Vehicle, and Failure to Yield to Pedestrian. He has now been charged with vehicular homicide and failure to yield to a pedestrian.