A serious traffic crash in Sumter County has left one man dead and another receiving medical care, according to authorities. The collision took place Saturday evening, November 29, along Alabama Highway 28 and involved two vehicles traveling in opposite directions. The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) has launched an investigation to determine what led to the deadly incident.
Officials confirmed that the victim was 68-year-old Ellis Bibbs of Livingston. According to early information released by ALEA, Bibbs had been driving a pickup truck when it collided with a sport-utility vehicle on the highway. The impact caused Bibbs’ vehicle to veer off the roadway, where it struck a tree a short distance away. Investigators are still working to determine the sequence of events that led to the crash and what factors may have contributed to the vehicles making contact.
Emergency crews responded quickly after receiving reports of the accident around 5:30 p.m. Medical personnel assessed both injured individuals at the scene before transporting them to Baptist Anderson Regional Medical Center in Mississippi. Bibbs suffered severe injuries and was later pronounced dead at the hospital. The driver of the SUV was also taken to the same medical center for treatment. Authorities have not yet released additional details about the surviving driver’s condition.
The crash happened about three miles east of Livingston, a stretch of Highway 28 frequently used by local residents and commuters. While officials have not commented on the weather or roadway conditions at the time, the collision occurred during early evening hours when daylight was fading. Highway traffic was temporarily slowed as first responders worked to clear the scene, remove debris, and ensure that both vehicles were safely transported for examination. The roadway has since reopened.
ALEA’s Highway Patrol Division is overseeing the ongoing investigation. Troopers will review physical evidence, analyze vehicle damage, and document roadway conditions to better understand what caused the crash. Interviews with potential witnesses may also be conducted. Investigators caution that it is too early to determine whether driver behavior, environmental factors, or an unexpected roadway hazard played a role in the incident. No charges or citations have been issued at this time.
The death of Ellis Bibbs has brought sadness to the Livingston community, where he was known as a longtime resident. Local authorities extended condolences to his family and reminded the public of the importance of cautious driving, especially on major roadways. Additional updates are expected as ALEA completes its review and releases further details surrounding the tragic crash.
