Wife of Atlanta Braves Trainer Dies in Accident Involving State Trooper

By: Jimmy Beck

January 1, 2012

Head Trainer for the Atlanta Braves Jeff Porter was headed to Atlanta to watch the Chickfila Bowl when things took a turn for the worst.  Jeff Porter was driving his family in their Ford Expedition when they were struck by a Georgia State Patrol Officer at Capital Avenue and Memorial Drive.  The Fulton County Examiner’s Office confirmed to the Atlanta Journal Constitution that Jeff’s wife Kathy Porter died in the crash.  Jeff Porter and his son were both injured along with an 18 year old girl.

The Atlanta Braves organization issued a statement on the accident Saturday evening.  “The Braves family is deeply saddened and shocked to learn about the tragic accident involving the family of Head Athletic Trainer Jeff Porter and the death of his wife Kathy.  Our thoughts and prayers go out to Jeff and Kathy’s family, their son David and all their friends and loved ones.”

The Georgia State Patrol trooper was treated at Grady Memorial Hospital for his injuries.  His name has not been released at this time.  There are still a lot of unknowns in regards to the accident.  However, we do know that the state trooper was responding to provide backup to a police chase taking place on I-20 when the accident occurred around 4:40 p.m.  The GSP sent out their specialized response team to try to determine the cause of the crash.