Local News
55-year-old Willie Martin killed in crash with deer on Alabama road
Talladega County, Ala. – Authorities have confirmed that a 55-year-old Sylacauga man was killed in an early morning ATV crash after colliding with a deer in Talladega County.
The incident occurred at approximately 2:00 a.m. on Monday, September 29, 2025, on Oakland Road, about two miles west of Sycamore.
According to the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency’s (ALEA) Highway Patrol Division, the victim has been identified as Willie F. Martin.
Investigators reported that Martin was operating a 2020 Yamaha YFZ450 ATV when the vehicle struck a deer in the roadway.
Following the impact, the ATV veered off the road and overturned. Martin was ejected from the vehicle and sustained fatal injuries.
He was pronounced deceased at the scene.
Trooper Jaylon James of ALEA confirmed the details of the crash and said that no other vehicles were involved.
The collision remains under investigation by ALEA’s Highway Patrol Division, and no additional information has been released at this time.
Local News
High-Angle Rescue in Progress After Teen Climbs 900-Foot KSDK TV Transmission Tower in Affton
AFFTON, MO — Emergency crews are conducting a high-angle rescue operation in Affton, Missouri, after a 17-year-old male reportedly climbed nearly 900 feet up a television transmission tower belonging to local station KSDK on Heege Road.
According to officials with the Lemay Fire Protection District, the call for assistance came in around 2:30 p.m. when witnesses reported seeing the teenager scaling the tower.
Responding units from both the Affton Fire Protection District and Lemay Fire Protection District quickly arrived on scene and established a command post at the base of the structure.
Fire officials confirmed that the individual, described as a 17-year-old male, was observed barefoot and positioned approximately 850 feet above the ground.
Authorities say they believe the teen may be under the influence of alcohol or another substance, though that has not been confirmed.
Specialized technical rescue teams are currently coordinating efforts to reach and safely bring the teen down from the tower.
The operation is described as extremely dangerous and complex, given the height and structural conditions.
Law enforcement personnel have secured the surrounding area, and roads near the tower have been closed as a precaution while emergency crews work.
This is a developing situation, and updates will be provided as additional information becomes available.