American Man in Critical Condition after Road Accident, 2 Others Dead

UPDATED 27/03

Last Tuesday, GEORGIA TODAY published its interview with Zach Lawrence, an expert in investing and startup fundraising, Senior Director of the Ohio Tech Angel Fund, and father of two, who participated in the BIA Business Forum Monday and was expected to speak at a Startup Grind event last Wednesday. The same day (March 21), on the way to a fishing trip in Dusheti, his car was involved in a serious collision which saw the deaths of two of the five passengers- the fishing expert, and Moscow-based American Venture Capitalist, Lawrence Wright -and now sees Zach unconscious in a critical condition in Geo Hospital, Mtskheta, one of a chain owned by insurance company GPI Holding.

He has a swollen brain, for which reason he is being kept in a medically induced coma, broken ribs and a punctured lung. There is a fear that a secondary lung condition could set in.

Zach's wife Meghan, and his father and brother arrived in Georgia Friday.

The local and expat community here has pulled together to provide a variety of support and advice to the family. The family itself has set up a crowd-funding page to gather funds for treatment and evacuation. So far it has raised over $72,000.

At time of writing, Zach's family says it plans to evacuate him as soon as he is able to fly- first to Europe (destination not yet known), then home to the US. They released the following statement:

"First and foremost, Zach's family would like to thank the Georgia hospital staff and emergency medical personnel for saving his life. They have done an excellent job in stabilizing and caring for him.  Also, thanks go out to Dr. Mike McCarthy of Georgia based IMSS for his involvement. Zach will need further medical treatment and the course to recovery will be a long one. In addition, the family is grateful to the Georgian Government for their assistance and to the warm and helpful Georgian people they have encountered while there. Georgia has beautiful natural scenery, a rich history and a growing economy.  The growing economy is what brought Zach to Georgia to speak as a keynote speaker at the BIA Business Forum and Startup Grind Georgia.   Finally, the family is thankful for the help and support of the foreign expat community in Georgia". 

As to the cause of the accident, we understand that a second car may have been involved and Zach's car was forced to swerve to avoid it on a narrow mountain road. Drink-driving on the part of Zach's driver is not suspected by those who know him well. We have yet to receive any comment from the regional police or relevant ministries and will post updates as we receive them.

Lawrence Wright, whose body has already been claimed by his wife, was raising a $75 million fund for CIS countries. A Georgian fund was being discussed.

GEORGIA TODAY offers its sincerest condolences to the families of the deceased, and ongoing support to the family of Zach Lawrence.

To support the Lawrence family at this difficult time, please donate here: https://www.youcaring.com/zachandmeghanlawrence-782854

Katie Ruth Davies