A devastating traffic crash on Interstate 65 in Baldwin County, Alabama, claimed the lives of three people on December 23, leaving multiple communities in mourning just days before Christmas. Authorities say the deadly collision involved two vehicles and occurred when a pickup truck entered the interstate traveling in the wrong direction, leading to a catastrophic head-on crash.
According to reports, the pickup truck was driven by 84-year-old Simon Hadley. Investigators say Hadley’s vehicle collided head-on with a car carrying 21-year-old Amaya Williams of Albany and 49-year-old Keithrick Williams of Auburn. The impact was severe, causing fatal injuries to all involved and shutting down parts of the interstate as emergency crews responded.
The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) confirmed the vehicles involved were a 2005 Chevrolet Silverado pickup and a Kia Niro. Authorities said the Silverado, driven by Hadley, struck the Kia head-on. Emergency responders arrived to find extensive damage to both vehicles, a clear sign of the force of the collision. Amaya Williams and Keithrick Williams were pronounced dead at the scene.
Simon Hadley also sustained fatal injuries in the crash and was pronounced dead, bringing the total death toll to three. Eyewitnesses told local media outlets that the pickup truck appeared to be traveling the wrong way on the interstate before the collision occurred. Investigators are now working to determine how and why the truck entered I-65 going in the opposite direction of traffic.
ALEA said the investigation remains ongoing, with troopers examining evidence from the scene, including skid marks, vehicle positions, and damage patterns. Officials are also considering whether factors such as visibility, speed, or other conditions may have played a role. No charges or additional details have been released at this time.
As the investigation continues, family members and friends are grieving the loss of their loved ones, especially Amaya Williams, whose death has deeply affected the Albany community. Loved ones remember her as a young woman with her whole life ahead of her. The tragic crash serves as a painful reminder of the dangers of wrong-way driving and the importance of reporting such incidents immediately to help prevent future loss of life.
