A devastating collision at the intersection of Highway 46 and Nevils-Denmark Road in southern Bulloch County on Tuesday, August 19, 2025, has left a community mourning the loss of a beloved mother and her teenage daughter. The crash, which occurred just after 5 p.m., involved a westbound tractor-trailer and a southbound Honda Odyssey van carrying Azure Bailey Rountree, age 49, and her 15-year-old daughter. According to multiple local outlets, including the Statesboro Herald and WTOC, the tractor-trailer failed to stop at a newly installed four-way stop sign, resulting in a catastrophic T-bone collision on the driver’s side of the van.
Bulloch County 911 received the first call at 5:18 p.m., prompting an immediate response from Bulloch County EMS, Fire, Sheriff’s Deputies, and Georgia State Patrol troopers. Due to the severity of the crash, first responders quickly called for additional units and a Lifestar medical helicopter. The scene was chaotic, with emergency vehicles crowding the intersection and a helicopter landing nearby to airlift the critically injured teenager to Memorial Hospital in Savannah.
Authorities confirmed that Azure Rountree, a well-known member of the Nevils community, was transported to East Georgia Regional Medical Center, where she was pronounced dead. Her daughter, who was a passenger in the van, was initially reported in critical condition. Tragically, according to Bulloch County Coroner Chuck Francis, the 15-year-old succumbed to her injuries the following morning at Memorial Medical Center in Savannah. "Our deepest condolences go out to the families, friends, and the entire Nevils community affected by this heartbreaking incident," Coroner Francis stated, as reported by Grice Connect.
The driver of the tractor-trailer, who was uninjured, admitted to running the stop sign, according to WTOC. The Georgia State Patrol’s Specialized Collision Reconstruction Team (SCRT) was dispatched to conduct a detailed investigation. Trooper First Class Matt Davis and Trooper Daniel Gay led the inquiry, working alongside local law enforcement to piece together the circumstances. The intersection, a known trouble spot, was closed for nearly four hours while officials documented the scene and gathered evidence.
Just weeks prior to the tragedy, the Georgia Department of Transportation had converted the intersection to a four-way stop on July 10, 2025. This change came "in response to a high frequency of accidents and collisions" at the crossing, the department told the Statesboro Herald. Before this, only vehicles traveling north and south on Nevils-Denmark Road were required to stop; east and westbound traffic on Highway 46 could roll through without stopping. To increase safety, advance warning rumble strips were also installed, but these measures ultimately proved insufficient in preventing Tuesday’s deadly crash.
The timeline of events was harrowing. As described by Trooper Matthew Davis of the Georgia State Patrol, Post 45 in Statesboro, "a semi-tractor trailer failed to stop at the four-way stop sign and struck a Honda Odyssey van." The impact forced the van off the roadway, leaving the driver fatally injured and her daughter fighting for her life. Bystanders watched as rescue crews loaded the teenager into the Lifestar helicopter around 6 p.m., a scene that underscored the gravity of the wreck.
Azure Rountree was far more than just another name in a police report. She was a mother of four, a dedicated community volunteer, and a familiar face to many in Bulloch County. For a decade, she penned the “Fun, Festive and Delicious” column in the Statesboro Herald’s monthly Moments magazine, where her warmth and creativity shone through. Her service was recognized in 2013 with the Deen Day Smith Service to Mankind Award, and she was honored as part of the newspaper’s “20 Under 40” class of 2015. The loss of both Azure and her daughter has left a palpable void, not just for their family, but for the wider community that benefited from their kindness and involvement.
The aftermath of the crash has reignited conversations about road safety in rural Georgia. The intersection of Highway 46 and Nevils-Denmark Road had long been a source of concern for residents and officials alike. The recent conversion to a four-way stop was intended to curb a troubling pattern of accidents, yet the tragedy on August 19th has many questioning whether more robust measures—such as traffic signals or increased enforcement—are needed. "Despite the addition of rumble strips and a four-way stop, this intersection has continued to see serious accidents," one local official told the Statesboro Herald, reflecting a sentiment shared by many in the area.
As investigators continue their work, no charges have been announced against the driver of the tractor-trailer. The Georgia State Patrol has indicated that the investigation remains ongoing, with SCRT specialists examining factors such as visibility, signage effectiveness, and driver behavior. The intersection was reopened to traffic late Tuesday night, but not before leaving an indelible mark on all who witnessed the aftermath.
Community response has been swift and heartfelt. Friends, neighbors, and local organizations have rallied around the Rountree family, offering support and sharing memories of Azure’s generosity and zest for life. Social media has been filled with tributes, and the Statesboro Herald has dedicated space to honor her contributions both as a writer and as a community leader. "She brought joy and warmth to everything she did," read one tribute. "Her legacy will not be forgotten."
The tragedy serves as a sobering reminder of how quickly lives can be altered by a single moment of inattention on the road. It also highlights the ongoing challenges rural communities face in ensuring traffic safety, even after well-intentioned improvements. As Bulloch County mourns, many are calling for renewed vigilance—both from drivers and from those responsible for road design and enforcement.
The loss of Azure Rountree and her daughter will resonate for years to come, a testament to the enduring impact of one family’s love and service. Their memory now stands as both a source of inspiration and a call to action for safer roads in their community.
