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James Ellis Wilbanks, Jr.

Age : 82

Gender : Unknown

Race : White

Date : 01/12/2026

Location : US Highway 1 and Five Points Road

City : Vidalia

County : Toombs

State : Georgia

Agency : Toombs County Sheriff’s Office

Officer(s) :Jamiya Perry

Cause of Death : Vehicle

Event : Bystander killed by police vehicle crash

OPEN RECORDS SUMMARY :

On 01/12/2026, Toombs County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Jamiya Perry was driving a marked patrol truck northbound on U.S. Highway 1 near Five Points Road in Vidalia when the patrol vehicle collided with a blue van entering the highway. The van was driven by James Ellis Wilbanks Jr., 82. The impact caused severe damage and trapped Wilbanks inside the vehicle. He died from injuries sustained in the crash. Reporting indicates the Georgia State Patrol Specialized Collision Reconstruction Team responded and assumed the investigation. Authorities stated the crash occurred as Wilbanks entered the highway. Law enforcement has not released additional information regarding vehicle speeds or dash camera evidence.

SOURCE LINKS :

https://www.wtoc.com/2026/01/15/vidalia-man-killed-crash-with-deputy-dangerous-intersection/
https://wgxa.tv/news/local/vidalia-man-dies-in-car-crash-with-toombs-county-sheriffs-truck-investigation-underway-jamiya-perry-s-82-year-old-james-wilbanks-dies-in-car-accident-us-highway-1-five-points-road-gsp-investigates