Mother remembered as ‘absolute legend’ after fatal UTV crash in Jones County

Allison Schwartz, a Middle Georgia woman who died in a crash on a utility terrain vehicle last month, is remembered as someone who loved riding off-road vehicles and spending time with loved ones, according to her obituary.

Zachary Taylor Schwartz, Allison’s husband, turned himself into law enforcement Monday as a suspect in her death due to the allegation that he was under the influence at the time of the crash, according to a Jones County Sheriff’s Office arrest report obtained by The Telegraph through the Georgia Open Records Act.

“She was an absolute legend there is no doubt but I’m not ready to talk,” Zachary Schwartz told The Telegraph on New Year’s Eve, two days after the crash.

Zachary Schwartz, 31, was allegedly under the influence of drugs and alcohol when he drove them on a utility terrain vehicle and crashed on Dec. 28 on Barron Russell Road, a crash report said. Allison Schwartz died at the scene from injuries in the crash.

Loved ones remembered her contagious laugh and adventurous hobbies.

“If there was sunshine, a side-by-side ride, good music or her people nearby, she was exactly where she wanted to be,” Allison Schwartz’s obituary said. “Do a burnout and Give ‘em hell.”

The 31-year-old was a “devoted mother who dedicated herself to her son,” her obituary by Monroe County Memorial Chapel said. “Everything she did was rooted in love, determination, and an unshakable commitment to her child.”

Allison Schwartz pursued educational degrees and certificates to build opportunities for her son, according to her obituary.

Her loved ones knew her as the “Queen of the Village” because she was bold and unforgettable, her obituary said.

Laura Toman said her daughter and Allison Schwartz were best friends for years. Allison Schwartz once joined them on a family vacation to Fayetteville, Arkansas, where her sociability made it feel like nobody was a stranger.

“She truly never met a person who she didn’t see all the goodness in their eyes... Of course, all along our travels, she never met a stranger, talked to EVERYONE!” Toman said in a comment on the obituary.

Allison Schwartz was born in Thomaston and graduated from Mary Persons High School, her obituary said. The married couple lived in Forsyth.

A celebration of life was held on Jan. 2, at Maynard Baptist Church, 1195 Juliette Road in Forsyth.

Zachary Schwartz was charged with first-degree felony vehicular homicide, and four misdemeanors including DUI, refusing a DUI test, possession of marijuana and reckless driving, according to his arrest report. He was arrested Monday and released later that day.

This story was originally published January 13, 2026 at 2:02 PM.