Man seriously injured after 'car surfing' in Whitfield County

A man was seriously injured after car surfing in Whitfield County Thursday night.

The Whitfield County Sheriff's Office responded to the report of a serious injury incident in a subdivision on Beulah Drive off Cleveland Highway.

An investigation found the victim, Juan Lopez, 19, was 'car surfing' on the trunk of a 2003 Ford Focus driven by his friend Miguel Angel Gomez, 18. Officials believe Gomez was driving approximately 30 miles per hour when Lopez fell off the trunk of the car and hit the pavement.

Gomez was sitting in the middle of the road holding Lopez when police arrived.

The deputy rendered aid to Lopez until he was able to be transported to a local hospital before being airlifted to Erlanger with serious head injuries.

Gomez, of Cohutta, was charged with reckless conduct. He has been released on bond.

The investigation is ongoing.

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