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Tuesday, Jun. 23, 2009

Teenager dies in Peach wreck

WARNER ROBINS — A 15-year-old from Marietta died Monday in a single-vehicle crash along Interstate 75 in Peach County.

Matthew Prather was returning home from vacation along with his mother, father and brother when the crash occurred about 12:54 p.m., said Georgia State Patrol trooper Mark Collier.

The teenager’s mother, Jeanette Prather, 51, was in critical condition Monday at The Medical Center of Central Georgia, the trooper said.

The father, Michael Prather, 49, and the other son, Stephen Prather, 18, were expected to be treated and released from the Medical Center, Collier said.

Michael Prather, who was driving, heard a noise coming from the 2001 Toyota Sienna and was trying to pull over when he lost control of the vehicle, Collier said.

The van slid sideways before overturning, Collier said.

The driver and passengers all were wearing their seat belts, he said.

The crash happened northbound on I-75 near mile marker 143 between the Ga. 96 exit and the Russell Parkway exit.

One lane of traffic was initially blocked for emergency vehicles.

To contact writer Becky Purser, call 923-3109, extension 243.