In a tragic post-holiday incident, 73-year-old Willie E. Jones of Ozark lost his life in a pedestrian-vehicle collision on Alabama Highway 27. The accident occurred on Thursday, December 26, 2024, at approximately 8:30 p.m., approximately one mile south of Ozark city limits. According to the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA), Jones was in the roadway when he was struck by an oncoming vehicle. Emergency responders arrived at the scene, but unfortunately, Jones was pronounced dead at the location. ALEA Troopers are conducting a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the fatal collision. The identity of the vehicle's driver has not been released as the investigation remains ongoing.

Location and Infrastructure

Alabama Highway 27, where the incident occurred, serves as a crucial connector between Ozark and Enterprise, experiencing moderate to heavy traffic flow throughout the day. The section where the accident took place is a two-lane highway with a posted speed limit of 55 mph. This stretch of roadway, located just south of Ozark's city limits, is predominantly rural with limited street lighting and narrow shoulders. The area is known for its agricultural surroundings and scattered residential properties, with several unmarked private driveways connecting to the main highway. Given its rural nature, pedestrian infrastructure such as sidewalks and crosswalks is minimal in this section.

Legal Rights and Considerations

Under Alabama Code § 32-5A-212, pedestrians are required to use available sidewalks where provided, and when walking along roadways without sidewalks, they must walk on the left side facing traffic. In fatal pedestrian accidents, Alabama's wrongful death statute (Code § 6-5-410) allows the deceased's personal representative to file a claim within two years of the date of death. Potential compensation in such cases may include funeral expenses, loss of financial support, and punitive damages. Alabama follows the contributory negligence rule, which can significantly impact recovery if the pedestrian is found to have contributed to the accident. Insurance considerations typically involve the driver's liability coverage and potentially the deceased's own insurance policies, including life insurance or personal accident coverage.

Related Resources

Emergency Services:

• Dale County Sheriff's Office: (334) 774-2335
• Ozark Police Department: (334) 774-2644
• Dale Medical Center: (334) 774-2601

Traffic Safety Resources:

• Alabama Department of Transportation Safety Office: (334) 242-6050
• Southeast Alabama Regional Highway Safety Office

Support Services:

• Alabama Crime Victims' Compensation Commission: (800) 541-9388
• Dale County Victim Services Unit: (334) 774-2335

Legal References:

• Alabama Code Title 32: Motor Vehicles and Traffic
• Alabama Department of Public Safety Handbook