A tragic incident occurred early Saturday morning in Ozark, Alabama, when 27-year-old Marquez Laster died after either jumping or falling from a moving vehicle along Barbara Drive. Dale County Coroner John Cawley confirmed that Laster was not the driver of the vehicle and was transported to a nearby hospital for treatment before succumbing to his injuries. The incident remains under active investigation by the Ozark Police Department, who have not yet released additional details about the circumstances surrounding the tragic event. Emergency responders quickly arrived at the scene on Barbara Drive to provide medical assistance, but despite their efforts, Laster could not be saved. The exact cause of how Laster came to be outside the moving vehicle - whether he jumped or fell - has not been determined by investigators. This devastating loss has impacted the local Ozark community, and authorities continue working to piece together the events that led to this fatal incident on Saturday morning.

Location and Infrastructure

Barbara Drive is located within the city limits of Ozark, Alabama, a community in Dale County in the southeastern part of the state. Ozark serves as the county seat of Dale County and is situated along major transportation corridors in the Wiregrass region. The specific stretch of Barbara Drive where the incident occurred has not been detailed in terms of traffic control devices or road conditions, but local roads in Ozark typically feature standard municipal infrastructure including street lighting and signage. The area's proximity to medical facilities allowed for rapid emergency response, though the exact distance to the hospital where Laster was transported has not been specified. Dale County's road network connects to larger highways that serve the region, and local emergency services are coordinated through the county's emergency management system. The ongoing investigation by Ozark Police will likely examine factors such as road conditions, lighting, and other environmental elements that may have contributed to the incident.

Legal Rights and Considerations

Under Alabama law, incidents involving falls or jumps from moving vehicles can involve complex legal considerations depending on the circumstances. Alabama follows a contributory negligence standard, which can affect liability determinations in vehicular incidents. If the incident involved another party's negligence, potential compensation may include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and wrongful death damages for surviving family members. Alabama's wrongful death statute allows certain family members to pursue legal action, typically with a two-year statute of limitations from the date of death. Insurance considerations may involve the vehicle owner's auto liability coverage, depending on the specific circumstances of the incident. Given the ongoing police investigation, the determination of fault and liability will depend on the findings regarding whether the incident was accidental, intentional, or involved negligence by other parties. Families affected by such tragic incidents should consult with qualified legal counsel to understand their rights and options under Alabama law, as each case involves unique factual circumstances that can significantly impact legal outcomes.

Related Resources

Local Emergency Services:

• Dale County Emergency Management Agency
• Ozark Police Department: (334) 774-2335
• Dale County Sheriff's Office: (334) 774-2335
• Southeast Alabama Medical Center (Dothan)

Traffic Safety Resources:

• Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) Traffic Safety
• Dale County Highway Department
• Alabama State Troopers Highway Patrol

Support Services:

• Alabama Crime Victims Compensation Commission
• Dale County Victim Services
• Alabama Department of Mental Health Crisis Services
• Victims of Crime and Leniency (VOCAL) Alabama

Legal and Regulatory Information:

• Alabama Code Title 32 (Motor Vehicles and Traffic)
• Alabama Department of Public Safety
• Alabama State Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service
• Alabama Courts Self-Help Resources