Zadarious Dorsey Obituary, Cause of Death – 18-Year-Old Dies After Newnan Police Shooting
The Newnan, Georgia, community is mourning the death of Zadarious Dorsey, an 18-year-old Newnan resident who died Saturday, October 3, 2026, after being shot by a Newnan police officer during a foot pursuit.
Dorsey’s death has left family members, friends and community members grieving the loss of a young life as investigators continue working to establish the full circumstances surrounding the officer-involved shooting.
Foot Pursuit Ends in Fatal Shooting
According to preliminary information from investigators, the incident occurred at approximately 1 a.m. after a Newnan police officer observed a white vehicle near Dodson Street and Martin Luther King Jr. Drive.
The officer followed the vehicle until it stopped on Cliff Circle and then approached the occupants. Investigators said five men exited the vehicle. One reportedly walked toward a nearby home, while four others ran from the area.
The officer pursued one of the individuals, later identified as Dorsey.
Investigators said the officer ordered Dorsey to stop, but he continued running. The officer reportedly deployed a Taser, but it was ineffective.
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation said the officer then saw Dorsey pull a firearm from the area of his waistband. According to the GBI, the officer issued additional commands for Dorsey to stop and drop the weapon before firing multiple shots.
Officers provided medical assistance at the scene until emergency medical personnel arrived. Dorsey was transported to a hospital, where he later died from his injuries.
Investigators said a firearm was recovered at the scene. No police officers were injured.
Zadarious Dorsey Obituary and Community Remembrance
At just 18 years old, Dorsey’s death has brought grief to Newnan as family members, friends and others come to terms with his passing.
His loved ones are now left to remember the young man he was while investigators examine the events that led to his death. The circumstances of the shooting remain under active investigation, and additional information may be released as the case develops.
GBI Investigation Continues
The investigation is being conducted by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation at the request of the Newnan Police Department. The GBI is independently investigating the officer-involved shooting.
Dorsey’s body is expected to be transported to the GBI Medical Examiner’s Office for an autopsy as investigators continue gathering evidence and reviewing the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
Once the investigation is complete, the case is expected to be submitted to the Coweta Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office for review.
Cause of Death
According to the preliminary information released by investigators, Dorsey died from injuries sustained after being shot by a Newnan police officer during the foot pursuit.
Because the GBI investigation remains ongoing, the complete circumstances surrounding the shooting have not yet been determined publicly. The autopsy and continued investigation are expected to provide additional information.
As the investigation continues, Zadarious Dorsey’s family, friends and members of the Newnan community are left to mourn the death of an 18-year-old whose life ended during an officer-involved confrontation now under independent review.