Marietta — A ride on Interstate 75 through Marietta turned fatal Tuesday when a 27-year-old Canton man was killed after losing control of his motorcycle, according to police. Marietta authorities identified the rider as Parker Faucett and said he was heading southbound near South Marietta Parkway when he laid the bike down in a travel lane. Several motorists pulled over and tried to help, but Faucett did not survive.
Marietta police spokesman Chuck McPhilamy told 95.5 WSB that "for reasons unknown" Faucett lost control and "had to lay the bike down" in the lane. Police said no other vehicles were involved in the crash. The initial report noted that witnesses at the scene tried to render aid as investigators worked the roadway.
Investigation Under Way
Investigators told 95.5 WSB that traffic cameras in the area "did not capture the moment" the crash occurred, leaving officers to rely on witness accounts and physical evidence at the scene. Detectives are asking anyone who saw the collision to contact the Marietta Police Department, per the city's website. The department's anonymous tip line and contact information are available on the city's site.
Motorcycle Safety on I-75
Motorcyclists are far more likely to be killed in crashes than occupants of passenger vehicles, and safety groups point to helmets, training and visibility as key protections. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety notes that motorcyclists face far higher per-mile fatality rates than car occupants and that helmets significantly reduce deaths and brain injuries. The I-75 corridor through Marietta has seen other serious wrecks in recent weeks, including a May crash near North Marietta Parkway that also proved fatal.
Marietta police say the investigation is ongoing and that they will release more information when it becomes available. Anyone with video, photos or eyewitness information is urged to call the Marietta Police Department tip line at 770-794-6990 or submit a confidential tip via the department's website.
