Cobb Reporter

Cartersville father Jermain Wilkins was killed on his way home from work in a head-on collision with a drunken driver on New Year's morning.

Jermain Wilkins is survived by an 11-year old boy and a loving mother, Fox 5 Atlanta reported.

"He was a devoted father," Jermain Wilkins' mother, Malisha Wilkins, told Fox 5 Atlanta. "Him and his son were very close. He had a spirit that would light a room."

Robert Godhigh, a 30-year-old from Dallas, Georgia, was attempting to pass another vehicle when he drifted into Jermain Wilkins' lane, hitting him head-on, Fox 5 Atlanta reported. The accident took place on Dallas Acworth Highway by Autumn View Drive.

Godhigh has been charged with improper passing, first-degree vehicular homicide and driving under the influence, Fox 5 Atlanta reported.

"You took a young man's father," Malisha Wilkins said. "You took adults' son. And you took a sibling they cared and loved for so much."

Malisha Wilkins said while she is unlikely to find peace with her son's death for quite some time, she did receive a text message from a stranger that provided some comfort, Fox 5 Atlanta reported.

"You do not know me at all and I didn't personally know your son, but I was there when the accident happened," the stranger said. "It was completely senseless and irresponsible what that driver did. I want you to know that he wasn't alone. I called 911 and I waited with him."

The tragedy wasn't the only one to occur on New Year's weekend. Along with Jermain Wilkins, 15 people died in car crashes over the holiday, the Georgia Department of Public Safety reported.