The Effingham County man who caused a wreck that killed a 4-year-old child Friday afternoon should not have been driving a car, according to investigators.

Robert Kenneth Waugh, 38, of Guyton, was wanted by police prior to the head-on crash that resulted in the 4-year-old’s death and serious injuries to the child’s mother.

“He did not have a driver’s license. He had active warrants for his arrest for a probation violation,” said Effingham County Sheriff’s Office spokesman Detective David Ehsanipoor.

Waugh had violated his probation stemming from charges of obstruction of an officer and driving without a license, Ehsanipoor said.

Around 3 p.m. Friday, the ECSO received a call that the driver of a sport utility vehicle was weaving in and out of traffic on Highway 17, according to Ehsanipoor. Deputies were dispatched to investigate.

“Within less than 60 seconds, the same person called back to report the reckless driver had crossed the center line and hit another car head-on,” Ehsanipoor said.

The SUV driven by Waugh was southbound on Highway 17 and crossed into the path of a northbound sedan between Jabez Jones Road and Roebling Road.

A 4-year-old riding in the sedan, Owen Rivers, was pronounced dead at a local hospital, according to Ehsanipoor.

The child’s mother, Adrianna Flowers, 22, of Guyton, was driving the car that Waugh hit. She was taken to Memorial Health University Medical Center with serious injuries, Ehsanipoor said.

Waugh was airlifted to Memorial with injuries described as life-threatening. Waugh was driving someone else’s car, but investigators have not yet determined who that person is.

“He was not the owner of the vehicle he wrecked. The vehicle was owned by another person,” said Trooper Joel Mock of the Georgia State Patrol.

Investigators found alcohol on the scene and are awaiting Waugh’s toxicology results.

“Alcohol is suspected” to be a factor in the crash, Mock said.

The crash remains under investigation by the Georgia State Patrol.

Donations sought
A page has been established on www.gofundme.com for donations to cover Adrianna Flowers’ medical costs and funeral expenses for Owen Rivers. The donation goal is $15,000. To donate or to see the page, visit www.gofundme.com/adriannaowen.