Update: 46-year-old construction worker dies in Thursday’s pedestrian fatality on Hwy 81

Driver of the vehicle involved was a 16-year-old

Update

Georgia State Patrol public information office reports that a 46-year-old construction worker was killed in the pedestrian involved crash that resulted in the shutdown of Highway 81 Thursday.

“Walton County Sheriff’s Office requested the Georgia State Patrol to investigate a fatal crash on State Route 81 just north of Ozora Church Road. Troopers responded to the scene, and their investigation revealed an Acura MDX was traveling north on State Route 81 in a work zone when it struck a private construction worker taking measurements in the roadway,” GSP PIO Franka Young reported. “The driver (age 16) was not injured. “

Young said the construction worker, Vipulkumar Patel, 46, succumbed to his injuries on scene.

Initial story

WALTON COUNTY, GA (June 4, 2026) – At 12: 40 p.m., Walton County Fire Rescue Deputy Chief Craig League reported that WCFR is on the scene of an injury crash on Highway 81 at Ozora Road. Highway 81 is going to be shut down at the intersection.

According to the Walton County Sheriff’s Office traffic alert, the crash involved a pedestrian.

Updates will be given when available. In the meantime, avoid the area.