DeKALB COUNTY, AL – A tragic car crash claimed the life of a Collinsville man late Friday night, July 4, cutting short what should have been a night of celebration. According to the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA), 48-year-old Derrick G. Barkley was killed in a single-vehicle crash that happened around 11:55 p.m. on DeKalb County Road 30, near the intersection with DeKalb County Road 84.
Barkley was driving a 2018 Chevrolet Colorado when the vehicle suddenly veered off the road. Authorities said the truck smashed through a fence, hit a utility pole, and then overturned. The force of the crash was devastating, and Barkley, who was not wearing a seat belt, suffered fatal injuries. Emergency responders arrived at the scene but were unable to save him. He was pronounced dead on-site.
The crash happened about three miles northwest of Collinsville in a rural part of DeKalb County, known for its winding and sometimes dangerous roads. Officials have not yet confirmed what caused Barkley to lose control of his vehicle. Investigators are examining possible factors such as speed, driver distraction, fatigue, or mechanical failure. No other vehicles were involved, and no one else was injured in the incident.
The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency’s Highway Patrol Division is actively investigating the crash. Troopers are expected to conduct a detailed examination of the vehicle and a reconstruction of the accident scene. Investigators are also looking into whether poor visibility or road conditions might have contributed to the crash. It is not yet clear if there were any witnesses or if nearby surveillance cameras might help in the investigation.
Barkley’s death has left the local community in mourning. Known by many in Collinsville, friends and neighbors have expressed their shock and sadness at the tragic news. The timing of the crash, occurring on Independence Day, has only added to the emotional toll. Social media posts and tributes have begun to surface, remembering Barkley and offering condolences to his family.
ALEA officials are using the incident as a reminder of the importance of seat belt use, especially in rural areas where emergency help can take longer to arrive. As the investigation continues, authorities urge drivers to stay alert, avoid distractions, and always buckle up — even for short trips or late-night drives.