Sat, Sep 16 2017 - Find the Gold at Gold Branch (View Original Event Details) Trip Leader(s): Carol, Joyce T. Participants: Carol, Joyce T., Jose F., Mike C, Ewa, Michael S, George Foote, Bob G, Jenny C, Mike H, Jo V, Mark F, Dave S, Barry B

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The entrance to Gold Branch was altered today, with the trail sign gone and flowers decorating the area. The names, "Matt" and "Joey" were written on several signs, indicating the recent deaths of the two individuals. With a little Google searching, I learned that two young men recently skidded on the wet road and crashed their car into the Gold Branch sign, causing the car to burst into flames. The information is indicated below.

The hike today was most pleasant . . . barely 4 miles. Along the way we were passed by Eric P. who was hiking there with his son, Forest, on his back. It was good see some folks who were away from the club for a while (Jo, Barry, George, Mark F.) and great to have Carol and José back safely from Glacier. ~ Joyce

Here's the information on the fatal crash:  

Cobb Police have identified the two Florida men killed just after midnight Tuesday when a Dodge Challenger skidded off Lower Roswell Road into a stone sign and caught fire.

Joseph Gerace, 21, of Tampa, and Matthew Silvester, 24, of St. Augustine, were pronounced dead at the scene near Asheforde Drive, police said. Investigators believe speed and wet road conditions were both factors in the crash. The posted speed limit along that stretch of road is 40 mph.