Columbia County, GA – June 29, 2025 – A tragic single-vehicle crash on Interstate 20 has claimed the life of Mario O’Bryant Mallory, 40, of White Plains, Georgia, and led to criminal charges against the driver involved. The Columbia County Sheriff’s Office announced that Basheenia Lee, 48, of Hephzibah, was charged with second-degree vehicular homicide and failure to maintain lane following the fatal accident on May 29.
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Crash Details
The incident occurred at approximately 6:30 a.m. near mile marker 189, just west of Horizon South Parkway. Lee was driving eastbound in her 1994 Chevrolet pickup truck when she admitted to falling asleep at the wheel while traveling in the outside lane. Upon waking abruptly, Lee overcorrected her steering, causing the truck to swerve sharply across all lanes of traffic and collide with the north guardrail.
The violent impact sent Lee’s vehicle rebounding into traffic, striking a 2018 Kia Soul driven by 20-year-old Zacharia Nolen of Grovetown. The pickup truck then rolled about three times, ejecting Mario Mallory, who was not wearing a seatbelt. Mallory suffered critical injuries and was transported to Doctors Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries on June 4.
Legal and Safety Concerns
Lee was arrested and booked on a felony charge of homicide by vehicle in the second degree, as well as a traffic violation for failure to maintain lane. She was later released on a $2,200 bond. The Sheriff’s Office highlighted driver fatigue as the primary cause of the crash and pointed to the lack of seatbelt use as a significant factor in Mallory’s fatal injuries.
Additionally, investigators noted that Lee’s truck had a canceled registration and uncertain insurance coverage, with ownership reportedly transferred years earlier.
Community Impact
Mario Mallory, affectionately known as “Toot,” was a well-known and respected member of the community. A 2004 graduate of Greene County High School, he worked at Jim Whitehead Tires in Evans and was the founder and owner of Mallory Auto Service. His untimely death has deeply affected family, friends, and neighbors.
Ongoing Investigation and Safety Message
The Columbia County Sheriff’s Office continues its investigation, with an accident reconstruction team providing detailed analysis of the crash sequence. Authorities are urging all drivers to recognize the dangers of drowsy driving and the critical importance of seatbelt use to save lives.
Further court proceedings involving Basheenia Lee are expected as the case progresses.