Driver Killed After Crashing Into Athens Bar While Fleeing Police as Engineers Assess Building Damage and Nearby Streets Stay Closed

ATHENS, GA — A driver was killed early Friday after crashing into Magnolias Bar in Athens while fleeing Athens-Clarke County Police, according to a police press release. Authorities identified the driver as 46-year-old Kevin Cissner of Buckhead and said he was reportedly suicidal.

The collision prompted a broader safety response downtown as engineers began evaluating the building’s structural integrity. Several streets in the area are expected to remain closed while officials determine whether the property is safe to access.

Police say driver was fleeing before the crash

Athens-Clarke County Police said the crash happened during an attempt to escape officers. In the immediate aftermath, police said Cissner died as a result of the collision with the bar.

Officials also said Cissner had been described as suicidal. No additional details about the events leading up to the crash have been released publicly, and Georgia State Patrol is now handling the investigation into what happened.

State patrol takes over the investigation

Georgia State Patrol is investigating the deadly crash, which is standard when a major traffic incident raises questions about the sequence of events and the actions of law enforcement. So far, authorities have not released a full timeline of the pursuit or the moments just before the vehicle hit the building.

The investigation is expected to look at the circumstances of the crash, the condition of the roadway, and the impact of the collision on the bar and the surrounding block. No findings have been announced yet.

Engineers review whether Magnolias is safe to enter

After the crash, engineers were called to examine the building and determine whether the structure remained sound. That review is important because the vehicle struck the bar directly, creating concerns about possible damage to the walls or other parts of the property.

Officials have not said when the evaluation will be completed. Until then, the building will remain under scrutiny as crews work to understand the extent of the damage and whether any part of the property is unsafe.

Street closures expected to last through the evaluation

The crash also disrupted traffic in the area. East Broad Street between Lumpkin Street and Thomas Street will be closed for an extended period while the structural review continues.

Jackson Street between Clayton Street and South Street is also closed. The closures are meant to keep drivers and pedestrians away from the scene while officials inspect the building and manage the response to the crash.

Magnolias and Republic Salon thank the community for support

Magnolias Bar said in an Instagram post that it was saddened by what happened early Friday and thanked the community for its support. The bar said it was praying for the driver and his family and asked people to keep the family, employees, and other affected businesses in their thoughts.

Republic Salon, which sits above Magnolias, also posted that everyone there was safe. Senior stylist Lyric Bellotte confirmed the salon’s status, and the business said it had received many kind messages and offers of help from people in Athens.

Downtown Athens businesses face uncertainty after the collision

The crash left nearby businesses facing an uncertain stretch as officials work through safety checks and street access issues. Because Republic Salon is located above Magnolias, the incident affected more than one business in the same building.

For now, the focus remains on the investigation and the building review. Athens officials have not announced when the streets will reopen or when normal access to the area will resume.