Benefit ride planned to honor 18-year-old killed in Troup County crash
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- 18-year-old Jared Greathouse Jr. died in October 2026 Troup County crash involving pickup truck and tractor-trailer.
- Benefit ride scheduled November 21 in Pine Mountain to support family and honor Jay's memory with food, raffles, auction.
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.
Britney Buchanan is organizing the “Ride for Jay” Benefit Ride, with Renee Robinson Worley helping coordinate efforts to support the Greathouse family. The event is scheduled to begin at 3 p.m. at 353 Old Chipley Road in Pine Mountain, Georgia.
Worley explained that she is helping Buchanan with the effort because of the close bond Jay shared with Buchanan’s family. According to Worley, Jay spent considerable time at Buchanan’s home and was especially close to her children, Kaleb and Katelynn.
Jay was “a little brother/best friend to Kaleb & Katelynn,” Worley shared, describing the special relationship he had with the family.
Worley said the loss has been heartbreaking for those who knew Jay, who was not only her youngest son’s best friend but also someone she considered part of her own family.
The benefit event will feature a 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 show their support.
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.
Businesses and community members are also encouraged to share information about the benefit on social media to help spread the word and increase support for the family.
The event aims to bring the community together to help the Greathouse family during a difficult time while celebrating the life of a young man who meant so much to those around him.
Organizers are using the hashtag #SmileLikeJay to help keep his memory alive.
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