FRANKLIN COUNTY, Ala. — A 62-year-old Madison man lost his life Thursday evening after the vehicle he was riding in left the roadway and overturned in Franklin County. The fatal crash happened along Alabama 24, bringing traffic delays and leaving a family grieving an unexpected and heartbreaking loss.

According to the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, the crash occurred around 5 p.m. near the five-mile marker on Alabama 24, about three miles east of Red Bay. Authorities said Arthur L. Brackett was a passenger in a 2022 Land Rover Range Rover when the vehicle suddenly ran off the road. Investigators have not yet said what caused the SUV to leave the highway.

After exiting the roadway, the Land Rover overturned. Emergency responders arrived at the scene shortly after the crash was reported. Despite their efforts, Brackett was pronounced dead at the scene. Officials have not released information about whether he was wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash.

The driver of the vehicle survived but was injured. Authorities said the driver was transported to Helen Keller Hospital in Sheffield for medical treatment. The extent of the driver’s injuries has not been made public, and no additional details about the driver’s identity have been released.

Troopers with ALEA’s Highway Patrol Division are leading the investigation into the crash. As part of their review, they are expected to examine possible contributing factors such as speed, road conditions, mechanical issues, and other circumstances that may have played a role in the vehicle leaving the roadway.

Brackett’s sudden passing has deeply affected those who knew him in Madison and beyond. Losing a loved one in a traffic accident often leaves families searching for answers while coping with grief. As troopers continue their investigation, the community reflects on the fragility of life and the importance of roadway safety, hoping for clarity in the days ahead.