Jesse Southard and April Ballard die in fatal Pelham crash
Fatal Pelham crash death of Jesse Southard and April Ballard – Obituary
Authorities have identified two individuals who lost their lives in a crash that occurred early Friday morning along Interstate 65 in Pelham.
Jesse Southard, 20, of Birmingham, and April Ballard, 36, of Leeds, were confirmed as the victims by the Shelby County Coroner’s Office. The collision happened around 3 a.m. on April 24.
According to officials, Ballard was driving a truck southbound in the northbound lanes of I-65 when her vehicle collided head-on with Southard’s vehicle. The impact resulted in a deadly two-vehicle crash.
The incident led to the temporary closure of the northbound lanes of I-65 between the Tank Farm exit and the Oak Mountain State Park exit as emergency crews responded and cleared the scene.
Authorities have collected toxicology samples from both drivers, which will be analyzed by the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences. Officials have indicated that alcohol and speed are suspected to have contributed to the crash, though the investigation remains ongoing.
Officials are urging drivers to remain vigilant and aware while on the road as they continue to examine the circumstances surrounding the fatal incident.