Tragedy in North Macon: Two Georgia Teens Killed in Early Morning Crash

MACON, GA — The Bibb County community is reeling after a devastating single-vehicle crash claimed the lives of two local teenagers in the early hours of Friday, August 1, 2025. Authorities have identified the victims as 18-year-old Alexander Floyd Strebeck of Forsyth and 17-year-old Landon Brooks Lawless of Fort Valley.

The fatal incident occurred at approximately 2:20 a.m. near Riverside Drive and Northside Drive in North Macon.

Vehicle Veered Off Road and Crashed Into Tree

According to the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office, the teens were traveling in a 2012 Dodge Charger when the vehicle left the roadway and collided with a tree at high speed. Deputies and emergency crews arrived quickly after receiving multiple 911 calls from nearby residents reporting the crash and smoke in the area.

First responders found both teens unresponsive inside the vehicle. Despite attempts at resuscitation, Strebeck and Lawless were pronounced dead at the scene.

Promising Lives Cut Short

Alexander Strebeck had recently graduated from Mary Persons High School and was preparing to start a career in the skilled trades. He was remembered as a bright, respectful young man who loved working with his hands and had a deep passion for cars.

Landon Lawless, a rising senior at Peach County High School, was a popular student-athlete and member of the school’s football team. Friends and teachers described him as kind, dependable, and full of ambition. He had dreams of pursuing a career in physical therapy or sports medicine.

“They were both full of promise, full of life,” said Coach Brent Hollings, who coached Lawless last season. “This is a devastating loss, not just for two families, but for two communities.”

Investigation Underway

The Sheriff’s Traffic Division is continuing to investigate the cause of the crash. Authorities believe speed may have been a factor, though toxicology reports and a full mechanical inspection are pending.

No other vehicles were involved, and the roadway was closed for several hours as investigators documented the scene and removed the wreckage.

Sheriff David Davis urged caution in a public statement on Friday:

“It is always heartbreaking when young lives are lost in such a tragic way. We encourage all drivers—especially our teens—to make safe decisions on the road. These families are now living through every parent’s worst nightmare.”

Grieving Communities Come Together

In the wake of the tragedy, both the Forsyth and Fort Valley communities have come together in an outpouring of grief and support.

Students and faculty at Mary Persons High School created a memorial on campus where classmates left flowers, notes, and photos in Alexander’s memory. In Fort Valley, Peach County High School announced it will hold a candlelight vigil and observe a moment of silence at its next football game to honor Landon’s life.

Grief counselors have been made available to students and faculty in both school districts.

Social media has been flooded with tributes and condolences. Friends of the victims shared heartfelt messages, recounting memories of laughter, friendship, and brotherhood.

Funeral Plans and Ongoing Support

Funeral arrangements for both teens are currently being coordinated by their families. In the meantime, community members have launched fundraising campaigns to assist with expenses and to establish memorial scholarships in the names of Strebeck and Lawless.

“We’re overwhelmed by the love and support,” said Lisa Lawless, Landon’s mother, in a brief statement. “Our boys were loved, and their memory will live on.”

If you or someone you know has been affected by this tragedy and is in need of grief support, please contact your local school district or a licensed counselor.