Georgia court revives lawsuit against Rep. Trey Kelley over fatal hit-and-run
A three-judge panel unanimously decided on Wednesday that a Polk County judge improperly dismissed claims against Kelley, a Cedartown Republican, related to the 2019 death of Eric Keais. The appellate judges revived the claims against Kelley, which were initially dismissed in June 2022. According to police reports and the lawsuit filed by Keais' father, the bicyclist was struck from behind by driver Ralph Dover III while traveling along North Main Street in Polk County, approximately 60 miles northwest of Atlanta, on September 11, 2019. Keais, a 38-year-old house painter, was thrown onto the hood and into the windshield of Dover's SUV, ultimately landing in a ditch. The ruling allows the case to proceed, as the appellate judges found that the initial dismissal was not warranted. Kelley is accused of attempting to help cover up the incident. The case has drawn significant public attention, and its revival means that the claims against Kelley will be heard in court. The decision underscores the ongoing legal challenges surrounding the hit-and-run incident and the actions of those involved.
