(Athens, Alabama – May 7, 2025) — A senior defensive back at Austin Peay State University was tragically killed Tuesday in a crash on I-65 near Athens, Alabama.
According to the coroner, Mike West, 22 year-old William D. Hardrick from Adamsville was driving southbound on I-65 near Piney Chapel Road when his vehicle left the roadway and flipped over. Mr. Hardrick was pronounced dead at the scene.
Following the crash, the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) arrested 31-year-old John Walter McAdams and charged him with the following counts:
- one count of murder
- two counts of leaving the scene of an accident with injury
- one count of driving under the influence
According to authorities, Mr. McAdams was driving under the influence and directly caused the crash and death of Mr. Hardrick. Mr. McAdams also fled from the scene. It is unclear what specifically caused Mr. Hardrick’s vehicle to leave the roadway. However, based on the charges against Mr. McAdams, it appears that he collided with Mr. Hardrick or ran him off the road.
Austin Peay Vice President and Director of Athletics Gerald Harrison said this about Mr. Hardrick:
We are truly saddened by the passing of William Hardrick, a new member of our football program and the Austin Peay family. All of our thoughts and prayers are with the Hardrick Family today. We will do everything we can to support his friends, family, and teammates at this time.
Austin Peay’s football coach Jeff Faris also made a statement:
William Hardrick was an exceptional young man, and our team is heartbroken by his loss. He made everyone around him better and has made a real impact both on and off the field. We lift up the Hardrick family in prayer as we grieve this tragic loss with them.
ALEA’s investigation of the crash is ongoing.
Source: WHNT; CBS Sports
Reach Out to Fob James Law Firm If You Need Legal Help
Unfortunately, fatal car accidents caused by drunk drivers happen around the state of Alabama.
Police must investigate these crashes thoroughly to determine the cause of the accident. Those involved in the crash should request a copy of the accident report.
At Fob James Law Firm, we understand how devastating these accidents can be for the loved ones and the victims of these accidents.
If you sustain injuries or lose a loved one in a crash caused by a drunk driver, contact our wrongful death attorneys in Birmingham or call us at 205-407-6009 to set up a free consultation.
Our deepest condolences go out to the families of the victims of this horrible incident.
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Fob James obtained a B.S., in software engineering from Auburn University and then continued his education by getting his J.D. from Vanderbilt University School of Law. After working for a large regional firm for several years where he obtained awards for both individual and corporate clients, Fob found that his passion was fighting for individuals who have been seriously injured or wronged by others. Fob believes that the jury is the great equalizer to the power and influence that large corporations have in society.