From the city of Athens:

“Athens Police are investigating a fatal accident on U.S. 72 west of Hine Street. An officer responded at 8:59 p.m. on Wednesday, July 4, to find two wrecks.

In the first wreck, a vehicle struck a pedestrian crossing U.S. 72. That led to other vehicles stopping suddenly, causing a four-vehicle pileup.

The westbound lanes of U.S. 72 are closed and one eastbound lane.”