HABERSHAM COUNTY, Ga. — A Commerce woman was killed last week when her car ran off the road and struck a tree in Habersham County, authorities confirmed.

The crash happened around 4 p.m. on Thursday, September 18, along Georgia Highway 15 near Hollywood Hills Road. According to the Georgia State Patrol, the vehicle left the right shoulder, traveled down an embankment, and hit a tree.

The driver, identified as 55-year-old Ginger Steadman of Commerce, was pulled from the vehicle and transported to Northeast Georgia Medical Center in Demorest. She was pronounced dead shortly after arrival. The Habersham County coroner said she died from blunt force injuries sustained in the wreck.

Investigators say alcohol may have been a factor, and toxicology results are pending as part of the ongoing investigation.

The crash forced the closure of one southbound lane of GA-15 for more than an hour as first responders worked the scene.

Steadman’s death marks the latest in a string of fatal crashes along Northeast Georgia highways this month. Authorities are reminding drivers to use caution, especially on rural roads where speed and impaired driving continue to be leading factors in serious accidents.