Woman Fatally Injured in Head-On Collision in Northwest Atlanta, Former President Jimmy Carter Marks a Year in Hospice Care

A tragic overnight crash claimed the life of a woman in northwest Atlanta. According to FOX 5 Atlanta, the 41-year-old was pronounced dead at the scene in the 600 block of Hamilton E. Holmes Drive. Police reported that the collision occurred when a northbound Dodge Avenger, driven by a 26-year-old male, crossed over the centerline and struck a Subaru Impreza head-on around 2:17 a.m. Feb. 19. The driver of the Avenger was hospitalized with injuries following the incident.

Former President Jimmy Carter marks one year in hospice care. Having turned 99 last October, Carter has been living at home with the support of his family and hospice care since opting out of further medical interventions last year, a decision that was announced by the Carter Center. USA TODAY reported that Carter had been diagnosed with cancer that had spread to his brain in 2015 and after short hospital stays, he and his family chose hospice care over continued medical treatment.

"The Carter family is grateful for the many expressions of love they have received and the continued respect for their privacy during this time. The family is pleased that his decision last year to enter hospice care has sparked so many family discussions across the country on an important subject," the Carter family said in a statement to USA TODAY. The former president’s choice to enter hospice care has encouraged national discussions on the importance of end-of-life care. Dr. Tammie Quest, Director of Emory University’s Palliative Care Center, told USA TODAY that while the public may find Carter's extended time in hospice unusual, such durations are not uncommon in palliative care.

Jimmy Carter celebrated his 99th birthday in his hometown of Plains, Georgia, and even made an appearance at the Plains Peanut Festival with his wife of 77 years, Rosalynn Carter. Soon after, Rosalynn, famed for her mental health advocacy, entered hospice care herself and passed away at 96 in November, shortly after being diagnosed with dementia. Despite the challenges faced in his advanced age, the Carter family has reported that the former president remains at home, watching baseball and regularly surrounded by family.