In the unincorporated stretches of Acworth, Georgia, a devastating collision has left a community in mourning. On the evening of Wednesday, August 20, 2025, the intersection of Hadaway Road and Mars Hill Road became the scene of a heartbreaking tragedy that claimed the life of 21-year-old Kristen Royster, a vibrant young woman from Powder Springs.
The Cobb County Police Department reports that at approximately 10:14 p.m., two vehicles—a red 2018 Chevrolet Silverado and a black 2014 Nissan Sentra—converged at the intersection with catastrophic consequences. Kristen Royster, behind the wheel of the Nissan, was navigating south on Mars Hill Road when the Silverado, driven by 30-year-old Temple Reed of Dallas, approached from the west on Hadaway Road. In a fateful moment, the vehicles entered the intersection simultaneously. The front of the Silverado slammed into the left side of Royster’s Nissan, unleashing a violent impact that would alter lives forever.
The collision sent the Nissan careening to the shoulder of the road, where it came to a halt. The Silverado, caught in the chaos, veered off the roadway, spinning counterclockwise before coming to rest on the sidewalk and shoulder. Emergency responders raced to the scene, their lights piercing the night, but despite their swift efforts, Kristen Royster was pronounced dead at the scene by the Cobb County Medical Examiner’s Office. Her family, now grappling with unimaginable loss, was notified by authorities, who offered their deepest condolences.
Temple Reed, the driver of the Silverado, sustained visible injuries in the crash but made the surprising decision to decline medical treatment at the scene. As of now, no charges have been announced, and the Cobb County Police Department’s Selective Traffic Enforcement Program (STEP) Unit is working tirelessly to unravel the circumstances that led to this tragedy. Investigators are meticulously examining every detail—speed, driver behavior, visibility, road conditions, and potential distractions—to piece together the moments before the collision. The intersection, now a somber landmark, was temporarily closed as police processed the scene, collecting evidence and seeking answers.
Kristen Royster’s untimely death has sent ripples of grief through her family, friends, and the broader Cobb County community. At just 21, she was a young woman with dreams, connections, and a future cut short in an instant. Her loss serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the unpredictable dangers that lurk on the roads we travel every day. Authorities are urging drivers to remain vigilant, to approach intersections with caution, and to adhere to traffic safety rules to prevent such heart-wrenching incidents in the future.
The Cobb County Police Department continues its investigation, leaving no stone unturned in their quest for clarity. They are calling on the public for assistance, asking anyone who witnessed the crash or has dashcam footage from Mars Hill Road near Hadaway Road around 10:14 p.m. on August 20 to come forward. Those with information are encouraged to contact investigators at 770-499-3987, as even the smallest detail could prove vital in understanding this tragedy.
As the community mourns, the intersection of Hadaway and Mars Hill stands as a silent witness to a life lost too soon. Kristen Royster’s memory lingers in the hearts of those who knew her, a poignant call to cherish every moment and to drive with care, so that no more lives are stolen by the unforgiving asphalt.
