It is with profound sorrow and heavy hearts that we remember and honor the lives of 23-year-old Devon Briggs of Buena Vista, Georgia, and 22-year-old Evelyn Plakal of Elgin, South Carolina, who tragically lost their lives in a devastating crash in Augusta.
According to the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office and the Richmond County Coroner’s Office, the fatal incident occurred on Monday evening along Riverwatch Parkway near Goodrich Street, in the area close to mile marker 2 and within view of the historic Confederate Power Works chimney. Deputies responded to the scene of a serious traffic accident after reports came in around 6 p.m.
Preliminary findings indicate the crash actually occurred on April 18, when the vehicle was traveling westbound on Riverwatch Parkway at a high rate of speed. As the driver navigated a curve, the vehicle reportedly left the north shoulder of the roadway, struck a guardrail, and then veered down an embankment toward Goodrich Street before overturning.
Authorities say the driver, Devon Briggs, was ejected from the vehicle upon impact. Evelyn Plakal was found inside the overturned vehicle. Despite emergency response efforts, both were pronounced deceased at the scene at 5:56 p.m.
The sudden loss of two young lives has left family members and the community in deep grief, struggling to come to terms with a tragedy that unfolded in seconds but will be felt for a lifetime. At just 23 and 22 years old, Devon and Evelyn were at an age filled with promise, dreams, and the hope of what the future might hold.
As investigators continue to piece together the circumstances surrounding the crash, loved ones are left holding onto memories and the bond they shared with two lives gone far too soon.
The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate the cause of the crash.
