Cobb County, Georgia — Two people were killed on April 3, 2026, when a Papa John’s tractor-trailer lost control, struck another semi-truck, overturned, and crashed into a sound barrier wall on Interstate 75 northbound near Acworth, Georgia.
Papa John’s Semi-Truck Crosses Lanes, Triggers Chain-Reaction Crash on I-75
The crash occurred around 8:30 a.m. just past the Wade Green Road exit, near Hickory Grove Road, as northbound I-75 carried heavy morning commute traffic approaching the Cherokee County line.
According to the Cobb County Police Department’s STEP Unit, a red 2023 Freightliner Cascadia tractor-trailer bearing Papa John’s branding was traveling in the right lane when the driver, Zory Beavers, 28, of Conyers, Georgia, failed to maintain his lane. The truck drifted and struck a white 2019 Freightliner Cascadia traveling beside it, driven by Verlon Henley, 62, of Fairburn, Georgia, as reported by 11Alive.
After the initial sideswipe, Beavers’ truck veered back toward the right lane. A white 2018 Ram 3500 pickup truck pulling a flatbed trailer, driven by Arkino Walker, 48, of White, Georgia, rear-ended the Papa John’s trailer from behind. Walker’s pickup was forced across multiple northbound lanes.
Beavers’ tractor-trailer then continued to lose control, rolled onto its left side, and slammed into a sound barrier wall.
Two Killed in the Papa John’s Truck
Beavers and his passenger, Royan Osborne, 42, of Norcross, Georgia, were both pronounced dead at the scene. Aerial footage from the 11Alive SkyTracker showed the Papa John’s semi on its side with the front end crushed against the wall.
The other two drivers, Henley and Walker, weren’t injured.
Georgia State Patrol later confirmed that the Papa John’s trailer was empty at the time of the crash, which can affect a truck’s handling and braking characteristics. That’s a detail investigators will look at closely.
Neighbor Felt the Impact Through His Home
Daniel Martinez, who lives near the crash site, told reporters he felt the collision from inside his house. “I felt it tremble actually through the house, that’s how I knew something big happened,” Martinez said. “The tractor-trailer actually flipped and hit the retaining wall,” as reported by WCTV.
I-75 Northbound Shut Down for Hours
All northbound lanes of I-75 were closed following the crash, with backups stretching to Chastain Road. Officials eventually opened the left shoulder to allow uninvolved vehicles to pass while crews cleared wreckage. GDOT cameras showed multiple first responder vehicles on scene as the closure extended through the morning commute.
Lane Departure and Commercial Trucking Liability
The Cobb County Police Department’s STEP Unit continues to investigate the crash. Police have identified Beavers’ failure to maintain his lane as the initiating factor.
Papa John’s released a statement: “We are aware of a Papa John’s tractor-trailer that was involved in an accident on I-75 earlier today. The safety of our team members and the communities we serve is a top priority. We are actively cooperating with local authorities.”
When a branded commercial vehicle is involved in a fatal crash, liability investigations look at:
- Driver fatigue and hours-of-service compliance
- Vehicle maintenance and pre-trip inspection records
- Driver training, supervision, and hiring practices
- Whether the truck was operated by the company’s fleet or a contracted carrier
- How an empty trailer may have affected vehicle handling and stability
The crash remains under investigation. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Cobb County Police Department STEP Unit at (770) 499-3987.
Contact a Georgia Truck Accident Lawyer
If you or a loved one has been affected by a crash involving a commercial truck on Georgia highways, you may have legal options. Don’t wait to explore them. Multi-vehicle truck crashes on interstates like I-75 often involve complicated liability questions, corporate insurance policies, and federal trucking regulations.
An experienced Georgia truck accident lawyer can investigate what happened, identify all responsible parties, and pursue the compensation your family deserves. Contact a qualified attorney today for a free consultation.
Photo Credit: Image created with AI
