A driver is dead after committing suicide by driving their car Wednesday into a building near the University of Georgia.
The Athens-Clarke County Police Department responded to a report of a suicidal man in Athens, Georgia, about 60 miles northeast of Atlanta, at about 7:20 a.m.
When the police made contact, the man fled, and police did not offer pursuit. The car then struck the building and the 46-year-old man died at the scene, police said in a release.
People were interested in these podcasts
The police have since identified the deceased as Kevin Cissner. Sources told WXIA-TV that Mr. Cissner worked for emergency services in Greene County, Georgia.
The vehicle struck the lower level of the building, which hosts the bar Magnolias. On social media, the bar said, “We are saddened by the events that occurred early this morning. We are praying for the driver and their family.”
Another business in the building, the Republic Salon, sits above the bar.
Senior stylist Lyric Bellotte said on social media that everyone is safe and said “thank you for checking in, for all the sweet messages and for offering to help. We’re feeling a whole lot of love from Athens today,” according to independent local student newspaper The Red and Black.
The owner of the building told WAGA-TV that it dates back to 1882.
The police said that engineers are now evaluating whether it is still structurally sound following the crash.
“We also have a company coming in to shore it up, and until then the road will be closed for the safety of the public. We have the (Georgia Department of Transportation) and others here to make sure it’s safe and the building won’t collapse. It’s going to cause a nightmare for traffic,” Athens-Clarke County Police Chief Jerry Saulters said, according to the Athens Banner-Herald.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.