High-Speed Crash on I-520 Leaves Graniteville Man Critical; Augusta Woman Facing Felony Charges
AUGUSTA, GA — A devastating high-speed collision on Interstate 520 has left a Graniteville, South Carolina man fighting for his life and led to the arrest of an Augusta woman now facing multiple felony charges, according to the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office. The crash, which occurred in the early hours of Saturday, June 29, 2025, has sent shockwaves through both the Augusta and Graniteville communities as details continue to emerge.
Authorities have identified the critically injured victim as 33-year-old Donell Brown, a beloved father of two and resident of Graniteville. Brown was reportedly on his way home from a late-night work shift when his vehicle was struck by a speeding car near the Windsor Spring Road exit on I-520. Emergency personnel arrived on the scene shortly after 1:15 a.m. to find Brown’s vehicle mangled and overturned, with significant damage indicating the intensity of the impact.
Paramedics worked swiftly to extract Brown from the wreckage using hydraulic rescue tools. He was transported in critical condition to Augusta University Medical Center, where he remains in the Intensive Care Unit. According to hospital officials, Brown sustained severe head trauma, multiple fractures, and internal injuries. His family is by his side, hoping for a miracle as he battles for his life.
The driver of the other vehicle, identified as 63-year-old Daphna Collier of Augusta, was taken into custody at the scene. Witnesses reported that Collier’s vehicle was traveling at an excessive rate of speed, weaving between lanes before slamming into Brown’s car. Preliminary toxicology results have not yet been released, but authorities suspect alcohol or narcotics may have been a factor.
Collier has been charged with a slate of felonies, including:
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Serious injury by vehicle
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Reckless driving
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Speeding in excess of 100 mph
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Failure to maintain lane
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Driving under the influence (pending toxicology)
She is currently being held at the Charles B. Webster Detention Center without bond as the investigation continues.
“This was a senseless and completely preventable crash that has altered a family’s life forever,” said Sheriff Richard Roundtree in a statement to the media. “Our hearts are with Mr. Brown and his loved ones. We are committed to ensuring that justice is pursued to the fullest extent of the law.”
Brown’s family, friends, and co-workers have described him as a devoted father, hardworking employee, and all-around positive force in the lives of those who knew him. A maintenance technician at a manufacturing plant in North Augusta, he was admired for his reliability, humility, and deep love for his children.
“He didn’t deserve this,” said Brown’s sister, Latasha Brown, speaking outside the hospital. “He was just trying to get home. We need people to think twice before they drive recklessly. We’re praying he makes it through.”
A GoFundMe campaign has been established to assist with Brown’s growing medical expenses and to support his children during this uncertain time. The community has rallied around the family, offering both financial contributions and emotional support.
Meanwhile, public officials and road safety advocates are using this incident to renew calls for stronger enforcement of speeding and reckless driving laws, particularly on high-speed roadways like I-520, which has seen a rise in accidents in recent months.
“The speed and recklessness we’re seeing on our roads is escalating,” said Georgia State Patrol Sgt. James Atkinson. “It’s costing lives and leaving families shattered. We need a cultural shift where safety is taken seriously behind the wheel.”
A traffic reconstruction team is continuing to investigate the exact sequence of events, and additional charges could be filed depending on the outcome of the toxicology report and forensic analysis of the crash.
As Donell Brown remains in critical condition, the broader community holds its breath, hoping for a recovery and grieving the unimaginable consequences of one night’s reckless decision. A candlelight vigil is being planned for Monday evening, at Diamond Lakes Regional Park, where loved ones and supporters will gather to pray, honor Brown’s resilience, and advocate for safer roads in his name.