Vehicle fire claims one life in Sumter Co.

AMERICUS, Ga. – On Sunday, 12-28-2025 at approximately 5:01 AM, Sumter County Deputies responded to a vehicle accident in the 2400 block of GA Hwy 49 South. Upon arrival, deputies discovered a vehicle fully engulfed in flames.

Upon investigation, an unidentified person was discovered in the vehicle, at which time Georgia State Patrol was contacted and asked to investigate the accident. The vehicle was heavily damaged, hindering the identification. The remains were turned over to the Sumter County Coroner’s Office. A Facebook post was issued by Sumter County Sheriff’s Office and Georgia State Patrol asking for information on any missing persons who might be driving a silver Lincoln MKS. Law Enforcement was later notified by a family in reference to a missing family member that drove a similar vehicle.

The victim has been possibly identified but the name is being withheld until positive identification has been made through the efforts of the Sumter County Coroner and the Georgia Crime Lab. It was later confirmed that the vehicle is that of the missing family member.

If anyone has information in reference to this accident, please contact the Georgia State Patrol Post 10. Sheriff Eric D. Bryant would like to thank the Sumter County Fire Department and the Sumter County Fire Marshall for their assistance. We would also like to extend our condolences to the family.

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