COLUMBUS, Ga. — The Columbus community is grieving the devastating loss of 61-year-old Maria C. Aguilar Perez, a cherished resident whose life was tragically cut short in a multi-vehicle crash Monday evening along Alabama Highway 51. Her sudden passing has left family, friends, and neighbors heartbroken as they try to come to terms with a loss that feels both unexpected and immeasurable.
Authorities say Maria had been driving her 2014 Nissan Rogue near the 82-mile marker when her vehicle collided head-on with a 2004 Lexus ES330 driven by a 64-year-old man from Union Springs. Just moments after the initial impact, her vehicle was struck again by a 2024 Nissan Sentra operated by a 23-year-old from Fitzpatrick. Emergency crews responded quickly, but despite their efforts, Maria was pronounced deceased at the scene. News of her passing has sent waves of grief through those who loved her.
Both drivers from the other vehicles were transported to Baptist Medical Center South for medical treatment. The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) continues to investigate the crash, working to determine exactly what led to the tragic sequence of events. Officials have not yet released additional details regarding the cause, noting that the investigation remains active.
For Maria’s family and friends, however, the focus has shifted from the circumstances of the crash to the legacy she leaves behind. Maria was known throughout the Columbus community for her compassion, resilience, and unwavering dedication to those she loved. Friends describe her as a warm, generous, and hardworking woman who always put the needs of her family first. Whether offering a comforting word or lending a helping hand, she carried a gentle strength that made a lasting impact on everyone she met.
Her sudden absence has left many struggling with deep sorrow, especially those who relied on her steady presence and kindness. Neighbors say she was the type of person who brought warmth wherever she went, someone who made others feel supported and valued.
As the investigation continues, the community is coming together to honor Maria’s memory and support her grieving family. Her loved ones hold tightly to the moments they shared — memories filled with laughter, love, and the quiet strength that defined her life. Though her time was tragically cut short, Maria C. Aguilar Perez’s legacy of love and compassion will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew her.
