Benefit ride planned to honor 18-year-old killed in Troup County crash
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- Family and friends organizing 'Ride for Jay' benefit event November 21 to honor 18-year-old Jared Greathouse Jr., killed in October crash.
- Benefit ride in Pine Mountain includes barbecue, raffles, auction, and bonfire; all vehicles welcome, donations sought to support grieving family.
Family and friends of an 18-year-old LaGrange man who was killed in a crash last month are organizing a benefit event to support his family and honor his memory.
Jared “Jay” Greathouse Jr. died following a two-vehicle crash involving a pickup truck and a tractor-trailer on October 19, 2026, in Troup County, according to the Georgia State Patrol.
The crash occurred at approximately 7:56 a.m. on Hamilton Road (State Route 1). Investigators said a black Chevrolet S10 was traveling eastbound when a white tractor-trailer attempted to turn left onto the highway from a gas station, blocking the eastbound lanes.
The pickup truck struck the left rear of the tractor-trailer’s trailer, according to investigators. Greathouse was transported to a local hospital, where he later died from his injuries, according to Troup County Coroner Erin Hackley.
The crash remains under investigation, with the Georgia State Patrol’s Specialized Collision Reconstruction Team – Delta assisting with the case.
Now, those who knew and loved Greathouse are working to support his family through a benefit event scheduled for Saturday, November 21.
The “Ride for Jay” Benefit Ride will begin at 3 p.m. at 353 Old Chipley Road in Pine Mountain, Georgia. The event is expected to include a benefit ride, barbecue, raffles, an auction and a bonfire.
Organizers said all vehicles are welcome, and community members do not have to participate in the ride to attend and support the family.
Renee Robinson Worley, who reached out to CNAW2 News about the event, described Greathouse as her youngest son’s best friend and someone who had become like another son to her family.
“Our hearts are absolutely broken,” Worley said in her message.
Worley said the goal is to bring the community together to show the Greathouse family how much Jay meant to those around him while raising money to help the family following his death.
Organizers are also seeking donations from local businesses and individuals. Requested donations include gift cards, gift certificates, gift baskets, merchandise, services and other items that can be used for raffles or auctions during the event.
Community members and businesses are also encouraged to share information about the benefit to help spread the word.
The event is open to those who want to pay tribute to Greathouse and support his family during a difficult time.
Organizers are using the hashtag #SmileLikeJay to help keep his memory alive.
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