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Written by: E. George
Published May 27, 2024 @ 4:00 PM ET
CHEROKEE COUNTY, Ga. – On December 10, 2022, a vehicle crash on Knox Bridge Highway in Cherokee County resulted in the deaths of 65-year-old Emerson Mayor Albert “Al” Pallone and his wife, 69-year-old Camilla “Millie” Pallone, and seriously injured others. The driver who caused the accident, 52-year-old Calhoun man William Bryan Abernathy, recently pleaded guilty to numerous charges, including driving under the influence.
Immediately after the accident, Abernathy told law enforcement that he had not consumed any alcohol; however, his blood alcohol content registered at .249, which is over three times the legal limit. He later confessed to “drinking a few beers.”
Witnesses said they observed him moments before the crash “flying” down the highway, weaving in and out while passing vehicles along the shoulder.
Abernathy was charged with reckless driving, two counts of DUI, six counts of first-degree vehicular homicide, and six counts of serious injury by vehicle. Following Abernathy’s guilty plea, the judge sentenced him to 30 years, with the first 10 years to be served in prison, plus 20 years of probation.
Abernathy must also undergo substance abuse treatment, complete 120 hours of community service, and pay approximately $10,800 in fines and penalties.
Officials explained that on the day of the accident, Abernathy lost control of his speeding Chevrolet pick-up truck and slammed into Mayor Pallone’s 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe, spinning it into oncoming traffic. The Santa Fe overturned before it was struck by a GMC Savana cargo van, while Abernathy’s vehicle crashed into a Mazda 3.
Mayor Pallone and his wife, who shared three children and five grandchildren, were pronounced deceased at the scene, with blunt force trauma as their cause of death. The drivers of the cargo van and Mazda 3 sustained severe but non-life-threatening injuries.
Flags were flown at half-staff at city government buildings in Emerson following the accident. At the time, Mayor Pro Tem Vincent Wiley said to FOX 5, “It’s just tragic, just tragic. They were like family to my family, personally, so it’s hard right now.”
Governor Brian Kemp posted online, “Marty, the girls, and I were heartbroken to learn of the tragic death of Mayor Al Pallone and his wife, Camilla, last night. They will be deeply missed by their loved ones and the community that they served so well. Please join us in praying for their family during this time.”
Assistant District Attorney Pete Lamb stated, “The Pallones were much loved by their family and their community.”
To demonstrate support for the Pallones and the other victims, friends and relatives packed the courtroom for Abernathy’s hearing.
Emerson’s city manager stated, “Al was a proven leader serving the citizens of Emerson as a city councilman for 23 years, with the last 15 years as Mayor. Millie was always near, providing him support, the framework to his strong leadership. I would like to extend my condolences to the family and friends of Al and Millie. In addition to working together, Al and I had become good friends, and I will miss him. To his family, thank you for sharing him with us. The city of Emerson is a better place because of him.”
District Attorney Susan K. Treadway stated, “This tragedy could easily have been avoided had this defendant made the responsible decision to refrain from driving his vehicle that day. There is never a reason to put lives in danger by driving while intoxicated. Our hope is that the sentence provides some closure to those who were injured and the families and friends who lost loved ones.”