GDOT names roundabout in memory of late GCSU student Abby Savoie

Abby's parents at the state legislature. From left: President Cathy Cox, State Sen. Randal Mangham, Kelly Savoie and Marc Savoie. (Photo: Georgia State Senate press office)

By Amanda Respess

O n Oct. 21, 2022, Georgia College & State University sophomore Abigail "Abby" Savoie was driving back to campus when she was struck and killed by a driver who ran a stop sign near Jackson, Georgia. The Abby Savoie Circle of Hope - a traffic roundabout that replaced the dangerous intersection where Abby died - has now been constructed and dedicated in her memory.

On Wednesday, the Georgia Department of Transportation unveiled the signage placed at the new roundabout.

The tragic accident happened at the intersection of GA Highway 16 and High Falls Road near Jackson, Georgia, in Butts County. Abby's parents, Kelly and Marc Savoie, advocated to convert the intersection into a roundabout. Their work ultimately gained support of state legislators, who adopted a resolution during the 2026 legislative session to name the new roundabout in Abby's memory.

Per the Resolution, sponsored by Sen. Rick Williams of Milledgeville, "Although the loss of this smart, energetic and beautiful soul can never be filled, her death called attention to the other numerous accidents at the intersection where her vehicle was struck and resulted in plans to convert the intersection into a safer roundabout, likely saving the lives of other motorists."

Sisters of Alpha Gamma Delta gather at the Abby Savoie Circle of Hope roundabout on Aug. 5. (Photo: Emily Jarvis)

This week, college friends and former roommates of Abby Savoie and joined the Savoie family to unveil the new signage on Georgia Highway 16 officially designating the roundabout as the "Abby Savoie Circle of Hope," and to remember the joy that Abby brought to all their lives. Kelly and Marc Savoie expressed their hope that construction and naming of the roundabout would encourage safer driving by all who pass through the area, and that telling Abby's story will bring hope and light to all who think of her.

Abby grew up in Peachtree City, Fayette County, and was an alumna of McIntosh High School. She was a public health major in the GCSU College of Health Sciences and hoped to work for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention when she graduated.

She was a beloved sister of the GCSU chapter of Alpha Gamma Delta sorority. Following Abby's death, AGD chapter president Katie Cook said, "Abby was a sister that brought a joy to the chapter that can never be forgotten. She had passion for togetherness and light that lingers in our hearts. We miss her deeply but are so thankful for the time we were given with her."

Abby's family partnered with AGD to create the Abby Savoie Award, which is given each year at Greek Weekend. The award is given to an individual who "is recognized for their outstanding contributions to fostering a sense of belonging, spreading positivity, and uplifting others through their actions and words in our community and around campus."

Header Images: Abby Savoie's family and friends visited the Abby Savoie Circle of Hope on Wednesday, Aug. 5, to view the GDOT signage placed at the roundabout. Abby's parents were present at the state legislature March 10, 2026, when the senate resolution in Abby's memory was read to the session. From left: President Cathy Cox, Lt. Gov. Burt Jones, Kelly and Mark Savoie, Sen. Rick Williams, Sen. Marty Harbin. (Photos: Hank Griffeth, Emily Jarvis and the Georgia State Senate press office)