Antoinette Catchings died, teen hurt in Decatur pedestrian accident

clock Created with Sketch Beta. April 18, 2026
Antoinette Catchings died, teen hurt in Decatur pedestrian accident

DECATUR, GA, (April 16, 2026) – A 56-year-old woman was killed and her teenage grandson critically injured after being struck by a fleeing driver in a stolen vehicle Thursday afternoon in DeKalb County.

Authorities said the incident began around 3:37 p.m. near Covington Highway and Panola Road, when officers attempted to stop a vehicle reported stolen. The driver fled, and shortly afterward lost control of the vehicle.

Police said the vehicle veered off the roadway and struck two pedestrians along Miller Road near Miller Grove Middle School in unincorporated Decatur.

The victim, identified as Antoinette Catchings, was pronounced dead at the scene.

Her grandson, a 14-year-old student at the nearby school, sustained critical injuries and was transported to a hospital.

The 18-year-old driver was taken into custody and faces multiple charges, including serious injury by motor vehicle. The investigation remains ongoing.


CRASH INVESTIGATION NEEDED

Despite ongoing safety campaigns, pedestrian fatalities on U.S. roadways continue to rise at concerning levels. Many of these tragic incidents are preventable when drivers remain attentive and cautious. According to the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA), approximately 2,304 pedestrians were struck and killed in the first half of 2024 alone.

“In many cases, pedestrians have the right of way when crossing streets or intersections, regardless of whether a crosswalk is marked,” said Candice Bond, an experienced pedestrian accident attorney.

Bond, Managing Partner of Bond Legal, emphasized the importance of conducting an independent investigation by an experienced attorney to safeguard the rights of victims’ families in cases like this.

“Factors such as roadway conditions, visibility of signage, and lighting must all be carefully evaluated as part of a thorough investigation.”


WRONGFUL DEATH CLAIM

“It is generally a driver’s responsibility to yield to pedestrians,” said Stefano Formica, of counsel at Bond Legal. The family of Antoinette Catchings may be entitled to a wrongful death claim.

“Family members of wrongful death victims may pursue compensation for loss of income, companionship, pain and suffering, funeral costs, and emotional distress following a tragic accident,” Formica said.

“Insurance companies often attempt to settle claims quickly for less than they are worth. An attorney will advocate on behalf of the family to ensure they are treated fairly and receive appropriate compensation.”


(This report is based on verified data - learn more on our About Us page.)


Accident Injury News' national legal analyst Candice Bond is experienced in fatal pedestrian accidents, and if you or a family member need help, she is available for a free consultation to guide you.

(Candice Bond, our national legal analyst, is a Managing Partner at Bond Legal. Accident Injury News can and does use quotes from prior interviews with our analysts for our news articles. If you would like to contact Bond Legal to help you, please call 866-986-7738 or use the submission box found on this page. Legal analysts quoted may or may not be licensed in your state).

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