WILCOX COUNTY, Ala. — Alabama State Troopers are investigating a fatal crash that claimed the life of a 32-year-old man early Sunday morning in Wilcox County. The deadly incident happened along Alabama 5, a stretch of highway south of Pine Hill, and involved an unknown vehicle whose driver has not yet been identified.
According to the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, the crash occurred around 2:45 a.m. on Sunday, January 18, near mile marker 6 on Alabama 5, roughly two miles south of the Pine Hill city limits. Troopers with ALEA’s Highway Patrol Division were called to the scene after reports that a pedestrian had been struck in the roadway during the early morning hours.
The pedestrian was identified as DeQuarius L. Pritchett, 32, of Arlington. Investigators said Pritchett was in the roadway at the time of the crash when he was hit by a passing vehicle. The impact caused fatal injuries, and first responders pronounced him dead at the scene before he could be transported to a hospital.
Authorities have not released details about why Pritchett was in the roadway or what direction the vehicle was traveling at the time of the crash. The area where the collision occurred is dark at night, and visibility may have been limited. Troopers are working to reconstruct the events that led up to the deadly impact.
At this time, the vehicle involved in the crash has not been located, and the identity of the driver remains unknown. Investigators said the driver did not stop at the scene. Troopers are searching for any evidence that could help identify the vehicle, including debris, paint transfers, or damage consistent with striking a pedestrian.
ALEA’s Highway Patrol Division continues to lead the investigation and is asking for the public’s help. Anyone who may have been traveling on Alabama 5 around the time of the crash or who has information about a vehicle with recent damage is urged to contact ALEA Troopers at (334) 675-0204. Authorities say even small details could be important in solving the case.
As the investigation continues, state troopers are reminding drivers to remain alert, especially during nighttime and early-morning hours when pedestrians may be harder to see. They also urge drivers involved in crashes to stop and call for help immediately. The death of DeQuarius Pritchett adds to the growing number of traffic fatalities across the state, as officials work to determine what happened and seek accountability in this tragic case.
