A peaceful weekend camping trip in northeast Georgia turned into a horrifying ordeal for a father and daughter, now recovering from a brutal attack that left the father critically injured. Authorities have arrested four people in connection with the violent assault, but questions still remain.
According to the White County Sheriff’s Office, Krista Wilson, 44, Joshua Wilson, 42, Joshua Miller, 32, and Charles Miller, 39, all from Lula, Georgia, are charged with aggravated assault and battery, following the July 26 incident at Low Gap Campground in Helen, Georgia.
Deputies say Krista Wilson allegedly initiated the attack by going after Gracee Waldon, 20. In an act of self-defense, Gracee stabbed her attacker. But what followed was a group assault on her father, Bruce Waldon, 58, who was hit in the head with a glass beer bottle and beaten while on the ground.
The sheriff’s office said in a press release that both victims were rushed to Northeast Georgia Medical Center—Gracee in serious condition, Bruce in critical condition and admitted to the ICU.
Bruce Waldon sustained a deep cut that stretched from his ear to the back of his neck, requiring 40 stitches, and is also suffering from a brain bleed. His daughter, Brittanee Hollingsworth, told WRDW that he’s experiencing nightmares and trauma as he recovers.
“This is just an act of evil and just senselessness,” Hollingsworth said in an emotional interview.
“My dad was eating peanut brittle and fixing his fishing pole, and my sister was eating boiled peanuts,” she recalled. “And my dad was attacked with a beer bottle on the side of the head… he was passed out on the ground.”
Authorities confirmed that investigators were dispatched to the scene immediately and launched an investigation. All four alleged attackers were arrested shortly after being identified. Officials say the motive remains unclear, but the family believes alcohol may have been a factor and are now calling for a ban on alcohol at the campground.
In a heartfelt post on GoFundMe, the family is asking for help with medical expenses, lodging, and food as Bruce remains hospitalized.
“My dad would give the shirt off his back without having another to put on,” Brittanee wrote.
The family also suspects more individuals may have been involved in the attack than those already arrested. The investigation remains active as authorities continue to gather information.
“I don’t understand why you would do this to a man that was with his daughter for a camping trip,” Brittanee said.
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