Kathy Porter: Wife of Braves trainer Jeff Porter killed in wreck

The wife of Braves trainer Jeff Porter died Saturday afteoon when the sport utility vehicle she was riding in was struck by a Georgia State Patrol cruiser in downtown Atlanta.

Porter, his wife, Kathy, and 19-year-old son David were on their way to the Chick-fil-A Bowl when their Ford Expedition was hit by the GSP vehicle at Capitol Avenue and Memorial Drive around 4:40 p.m.

The Fulton County Medical Examiner’s office confirmed to the AJC that Kathy Porter, 54, of Loganville died in the crash. Her husband and son were injured. A fourth passenger in the vehicle, Courtney Ann Williams, 18, of Grayson, was also injured.Their conditions were not immediately available.

GSP spokesman Gordy Wright said Jeff Porter was driving the SUV.

The Braves issued a statement Saturday night. "The Braves family is deeply saddened and shocked to lea about the tragic accident today 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 trooper, whose name has not been released, was treated at Grady Memorial Hospital and released.

Details on the wreck have not been released, but a GSP captain at the scene told GA Daily News that the trooper was responding to assist with a chase on nearby I-20 when he struck the SUV.

The GSP's Specialized Collision Reconstruction Team was sent to the scene to help determine the cause of the crash.