The longtime mayor of a Georgia city and his wife died in a car accident over the weekend.
Albert and Camilla Pallone were killed on Saturday after a pickup truck swerved into their lane and struck the mayor’s sports utility vehicle, according to the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office.
Albert Pallone was the mayor of Emerson, a community of approximately 1,400 people in Bartow County, northwest of Atlanta.
“On Saturday our community suffered a tremendous loss with the passing of Mayor Al Pallone and his beloved wife, Millie,” City Manager Kevin McBurnett wrote on the city’s Facebook page. “Al and Millie have been a staple of the Emerson community for over 40 years.”
“Al and I began working together in 2008 at city hall. Al was a proven leader serving the citizens of Emerson as a city councilman for 23 years with the last 15 years as Mayor. Millie was always near providing him support, the framework to his strong leadership,” he continued.
The crash occurred on Knox Bridge Highway east of Field Landing Road at around 4:00 p.m. local time. The accident included four vehicles, with the mayor and his wife dying after their Hyundai Santa Fe was struck.
Authorities said that the driver of the Chevrolet pickup, 50-year-old William Abernathy of Calhoun, Georgia, was arrested and charged with driving under the influence, reckless driving, first-degree vehicular homicide, and serious injury by vehicle, according to 11 Alive News.
The drivers of the two other vehicles were reportedly transported to Wellstar Kennestone Hospital with injuries.
Georgia Republican Gov. Brian Kemp shared a tribute to the mayor and his wife on Twitter.
“Marty, the girls, and I were heartbroken to learn of the tragic death of Mayor Al Pallone and his wife, Camillia, last night. They will be deeply missed by their loved ones and the community that they served so well,” he tweeted. “Please join us in praying for their family during this time.”
Marty, the girls, and I were heartbroken to learn of the tragic death of Mayor Al Pallone and his wife, Camillia, last night. They will be deeply missed by their loved ones and the community that they served so well.
Please join us in praying for their family during this time.
— Governor Brian P. Kemp (@GovKemp) December 11, 2022
Georgia Democratic Sen. Raphael Warnock (D) also shared a brief statement on Twitter.
“This is devastating news for the city of Emerson and our state,” the senator tweeted. “I’m thinking of the families of Mayor Al Pallone, his wife Camillia and the entire north Georgia community.”
This is devastating news for the city of Emerson and our state.
I’m thinking of the families of Mayor Al Pallone, his wife Camillia and the entire north Georgia community. https://t.co/X8yw7GKbv9
— Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock (@SenatorWarnock) December 11, 2022
Rep. Barry Loudermilk (R-GA), whose district includes Emerson, also offered condolences.
“My family and co-workers are shocked and heart-broken by the tragic news that Emerson Mayor Al Pallone and his wife Millie were both killed in a car accident yesterday,” he wrote. “Al was a good friend and a good man who served our community well for decades. He will be greatly missed. Our prayers are with his family.”
[1/2] My family and co-workers are shocked and heart-broken by the tragic news that Emerson Mayor Al Pallone and his wife Millie were both killed in a car accident yesterday.https://t.co/yi9DT9gxmg
— Rep. Barry Loudermilk (@RepLoudermilk) December 11, 2022