(Baldwin County, Alabama — December 31, 2025) – A devastating string of traffic collisions in Baldwin County over the Christmas holiday weekend claimed the lives of five people, according to local law enforcement. The fatal wrecks took place in three separate incidents on county highways, prompting investigations by the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) and the Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office as troopers seek to determine contributing factors in each tragic crash.
Fatal Crash #1 — Head-On Collision on Interstate 65
On Tuesday, December 23, a wrong-way head-on collision on Interstate 65 near the 39-mile marker tragically killed three people:
- Simon Hadley, 84, of Bay Minette, Alabama — died at the hospital after the head-on collision.
- Amaya Williams, 21, of Albany, Georgia — died at the scene.
- Keithrick Williams, 49, of Auburn, Alabama — died at the scene.
Troopers say that Hadley’s pickup truck was traveling the wrong way when it struck the other car, killing all three occupants. Witnesses reported seeing the wrong-way vehicle moments before the fatal crash.
Fatal Crash #2 — Highway 225 Collision
Later that same evening, authorities responded to another fatal wreck on Highway 225 near the 6-mile marker. 41-year-old Leo Mitchell was sitting in his vehicle with a flat tire when a truck struck him, killing him at the scene. No injuries were reported for the other driver involved.
Fatal Crash #3 — Motorcycle Crash on Interstate 65
In the early hours of December 24, a third deadly crash occurred on I-65 near the 43-mile marker when a car struck a motorcycle. Gary Jordan, 48, of Axis, Alabama, was thrown from his bike and pronounced dead at the scene. Law enforcement said the investigation into this crash is ongoing and no charges were immediately reported.
Ongoing Investigations
Authorities continue to investigate all three fatal crashes to determine whether speed, impairment, distraction, roadway conditions, or other factors contributed to the loss of life. Investigators will analyze:
- Vehicle positions and impact patterns
- Speed data from event data recorders
- Toxicology and impairment testing
- Eyewitness accounts and surveillance footage
- Weather and visibility conditions at the time of each crash
ALEA typically completes full crash reports within several weeks, which are essential for insurance claims, legal cases, and official records.
Contacting ALEA for Official Crash Reports
Families and legal representatives can obtain official crash reports from the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA), which provide vital details such as contributing factors and officer observations.
To request a report:
- Online: Request via the ALEA crash report portal through Alabama Interactive
- Phone: ALEA Records Division — (334) 517-2800
- Mail/In-Person: ALEA Headquarters, 301 S. Ripley St., Montgomery, AL 36104
Crash reports are typically available 7–10 business days after the collision and may contain diagrams, narratives, and official determinations that are crucial for insurance and legal actions.
Legal Rights After Fatal Crashes in Alabama
When a loved one is killed in a traffic collision, families may have legal recourse under Alabama’s wrongful death statutes, which allow claims for:
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Loss of financial support
- Pain and suffering and emotional anguish
- Punitive damages in cases of gross negligence
Establishing responsibility often requires analyzing cause, fault, and whether one or more drivers breached the duty of safe operation.
Fob James Law Firm – Here to Help
At Fob James Law Firm, our experienced injury attorneys help families pursue justice after fatal car, truck, and motorcycle accidents throughout Alabama. We provide:
- Free, no-obligation case reviews
- Coordination with accident reconstruction specialists
- Compassionate legal guidance and support
- Representation on a contingency-fee basis — you pay nothing unless we win your case
If your family has been affected by a fatal crash in Baldwin County or elsewhere in Alabama, call us for a free consultation: (205) 407-6009.
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Fob James, IV
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 national firm for several years, 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. Many of Fob’s cases are high profile and have been featured in, among others: Bloomberg News, PlanAdvisor, AL.com, PlanSponsor, InsuranceJournal, and BusinessInsider. For his work in obtaining numerous multi-million dollar outcomes for his clients, Fob has been recognized by: National Trial Lawyers Top 100, SuperLawyers Rising Star (2020-2025), Birmingham Business Journal Who’s Who in Law (2023-2025), and TrustAnalytica – Top Personal Injury Lawyers in Alabama.