Thomaston Man Seriously Injured In Motorcycle Accident

Twenty eight year old Cory Virdin of 106 Summer Trace Drive was riding his 2009 Harley Davidson north on U.S. 19 Wednesday night, it was just a few minutes before midnight and he had driven by an Upson County deputy operating his radar unit north of Potato Creek. Cory was not speeding and he was wearing a helmet.
As he reached the driveway into the Shell station across from the Waffle House, a southbound 2009 Chevrolet Impala sitting in the turning lane pulled into his path. Cory had no time to react and struck the car near the right front wheel. He was thrown over the vehicle and landed in the middle of the highway. The car continued into the parking lot while patrons of the Waffle House called 911 then rushed out to aid Cory and prevent oncoming traffic from hitting him.

Moments later the deputy heard the call over his radio that a motorcycle accident had occurred up the street and realized it was likely the rider that he had seen pass by.

Cory was treated at the scene by Upson EMS and life-flighted to the Medical Center of Central Georgia in Macon where he remains in serious condition.
Cory has undergone surgery for a fractured vertebra in his neck and his ruptured spleen. He also is suffering from five compressed discs, a fractured hip, shoulder and foot as well as battling an infection and pneumonia. Cory is conscious and communicating with family members.
Jessica Howard, 20, of 109 West County Road, has been charged with failure to yield while making a left turn.