LULA - A fatal early evening traffic accident on Highway 365 in north Hall County shut down the southbound lanes of the roadway for approximately 3 hours.
According to Hall County emergency officials, the crash happened just south of Cagle Road and killed one person.
The Georgia State Patrol identified the victim as Johnny Lee Smith, Jr., 53, of Lithonia.
Investigating troopers said Smith was driving southbound on 365 when his vehicle veered onto the shoulder of the highway. The vehicle traveled down an embankment, flipped onto its side and then hit a tree. Trooper said Smith was partially ejected through the sunroof of the vehicle.
Smith was wearing his seatbealt, according to troopers, and they said alcohol does not appear to be a factor in the crash.
Authorities closed the road around 6:35 p.m. The southbound lanes were re-opened around 9:30 p.m. after emergency workers and clean-up crews cleared the scene.
