Local News
Motorcyclist Killed in Collision with Jeep in Northport Identified as 39-Year-Old Matthew Mills
Authorities have identified the motorcyclist who was fatally injured in a collision with a Jeep Liberty in Northport on Friday night.
The victim has been confirmed as Matthew Bryan Mills, 39, of Tuscaloosa, according to the Northport Police Department.
The crash occurred at approximately 8:17 p.m. on March 15, 2025, in the 3100 block of McFarland Boulevard.
According to Assistant Police Chief Keith Carpenter, Mills was operating a 2015 Yamaha Striker motorcycle, traveling westbound on McFarland Boulevard, when he collided with the rear of a 2003 Jeep Liberty that was also moving in the same direction.
Emergency responders, including Northport Police, Northport Fire and Rescue, and NorthStar Ambulance, arrived at the scene and transported Mills to a local hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries.
The Northport Police Department Traffic Reconstruction Unit is currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash.
At this time, authorities have stated that no criminal charges are pending.
Anyone with information regarding the incident is encouraged to contact the Northport Police Department.
Local News
61-year-old Cynthia Diekema killed by alligator during couple canoe trip in Polk County
Her husband attempted to intervene and rescue her, but the attack proved fatal.
A tragic and rare fatal alligator attack claimed the life of a 61-year-old woman in Polk County, Florida, during a canoeing trip with her husband on Tuesday afternoon, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC).
Cynthia Diekema, a resident of Polk County, was canoeing with her husband at the mouth of Tiger Creek near Lake Kissimmee when their vessel drifted over a large alligator in approximately 2.5 feet of water.
Authorities say the animal thrashed violently, causing the canoe to overturn and throwing both occupants into the water.
Officials report that Diekema ended up on top of the alligator during the struggle and was bitten.
Her husband attempted to intervene and rescue her, but the attack proved fatal.
Diekema’s body was later recovered from the water.
FWC confirmed that two large alligators were captured in connection with the incident.
The first, an 11-foot-4-inch specimen believed to have been involved in the attack, was located and euthanized Tuesday night.
A second gator, estimated to be between 10 and 11 feet in length, was captured the following morning as a precaution.
“This is a devastating loss,” said Roger Young, executive director of the FWC, during a press briefing on Wednesday. He emphasized that while fatal alligator encounters are extremely uncommon, the tragedy underscores the importance of respecting Florida’s native wildlife.
In response to the incident, FWC has reiterated safety guidance for residents and visitors: avoid swimming in non-designated areas, especially at dawn or dusk, and keep pets and small children away from the water’s edge.
The investigation remains ongoing.