Nearly $25,000 raised for GSP trooper injured in crash with 24-year-old Augusta man

Georgia State Patrol has confirmed a 24-year-old Augusta man accused of crashing head-on into a trooper on May 31 while driving the wrong way on River Watch Parkway was "suspected" of being impaired at the time of the wreck.

Just after 11 p.m., trooper Zachary Walker, 32, of Martinez, was traveling east on River Watch Parkway near mile marker 3.5 when he was hit head-on by a Toyota 4Runner traveling in the wrong direction, according to GSP public information officer Joshua Staff.

Walker was just an hour into his shift, slated to work 10 p.m. to 6 a.m., according to the agency.

Walker sustained "serious injuries" and had to be extricated from the car, according to Staff. He and the other driver were transported to Wellstar MCG for treatment.

Fatal Aiken County crash: Man killed, another injured in head-on Aiken County crash

"We don’t know their exact injuries, but they both were seriously injured," according to Staff. "We don’t have an update on the other driver, but [Walker] is stable and has a long road to recovery."

GSP confirmed the 24-year-old was "suspected of impairment" and chemical blood tests were performed in accordance with Georgia law. Staff said the man has "not been charged yet" because GSP's Specialized Collision Reconstruction Team is conducting an investigation of the crash.

"Their investigation can take some time," Staff said. "It's not known what the possible charges will be."

Walker has been with GSP for about five years and was assigned to Post 25 in Grovetown, according to the agency. He was recently promoted to corporal in Nighthawks South, which is a task force specializing in DUI enforcement.

Starting as a jailor with the Richmond County Sheriff's Office in December 2014, Walker worked his way up to peace officer and remained at the sheriff's office until May 10, 2019 when he voluntarily resigned, according to records from Georgia P.O.S.T.

Walker started with GSP on May 19, 2019, according to P.O.S.T.

Fundraiser for trooper raises nearly $25,000

Lauren Baxley, who claims to be a friend of the Walker family, created a GoFundMe fundraiser on Wednesday with Walker's wife, Emilie, listed as the beneficiary.

"Thoughts and prayers pour out for [Walker's] wife, Emilie and their [three] young children. Emilie will be unable to resume work (normal work schedule) right now as she is currently caring for Zach and their children," Baxley wrote on the site. "... a GoFundMe has been launched to provide financial support for meals, bills, and overall relief in this difficult time."

Baxley noted Walker's injuries included a concussion, broken elbow, broken right leg, and a shattered right ankle and foot.

"After an initial surgery and many more to come, he is looking forward to physical therapy so he can get back to a normal life," she wrote on the GoFundMe page.

As of Friday afternoon, the GoFundMe raised $23,948 from 250 donators, surpassing the $20,000 goal.

To donate, visit https://tinyurl.com/4d858em2.

This article originally appeared on Augusta Chronicle: Thousands raised for trooper injured in crash with Augusta man, 24