A devastating multi-vehicle crash occurred late Friday night on Interstate 285 near the southeast corridor of Atlanta, leaving emergency crews scrambling and the entertainment world in shock after authorities discovered evidence potentially linked to a beloved television actor.
According to the Atlanta Police Department, the crash, which involved at least six vehicles including a semi-truck and an SUV, took place around 11:40 PM. Multiple witnesses reported hearing a loud explosion followed by a chain-reaction collision that brought traffic to a halt for several hours.
Upon arriving at the scene, rescue teams worked tirelessly to free victims trapped in the wreckage. At least four people were confirmed dead at the scene, and several others sustained serious injuries and were transported to nearby hospitals.
In a tragic development, investigators uncovered a personal relic inside one of the burned vehicles—an engraved ring and identification documents believed to belong to a 40-year-old actor formerly associated with the long-running soap opera The Bold and the Beautiful. Though authorities initially withheld the actor’s name pending family notification, the Fulton County Medical Examiner’s Office later confirmed that the remains found at the scene matched the identity of Jason Hartford, a recurring cast member from 2012 to 2016.
“We are deeply saddened to confirm the death of Mr. Hartford in this tragic accident,” said Officer Denise Lanning of the APD in a press conference Saturday morning. “Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and fans during this difficult time.”
Jason Hartford, known for his role as Dr. Aaron Price in The Bold and the Beautiful, had stepped away from television in recent years to focus on independent film and charitable work. Friends and colleagues remember him as a kind, generous spirit with a deep passion for acting and humanitarian causes.
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Fans and former co-stars quickly took to social media to express their sorrow and disbelief. “I’m heartbroken,” tweeted co-star Jacqueline MacInnes Wood. “Jason was not just a colleague, he was a friend and a true light on and off the set.”
Authorities are still investigating the cause of the crash. Preliminary reports suggest that inclement weather and possible mechanical failure may have played a role. Toxicology results are pending for all drivers involved.
As the entertainment industry mourns the loss of a talented actor, many are calling for improved safety measures on Georgia’s highways, where fatal accidents have increased in recent months.
Funeral arrangements for Jason Hartford are expected to be announced later this week.
