Local News
Austin Bates killed in Blount County single-vehicle crash
BLOUNT COUNTY, Ala. — Authorities have confirmed that a 35-year-old motorcyclist was killed in a single-vehicle crash Tuesday evening in Blount County.
Alabama State Troopers on Wednesday identified the victim as Austin L. Bates, a resident of Oneonta.
The fatal crash occurred at approximately 6:42 p.m. Tuesday on Blount County Road 20 near Rogers Road, about five miles east of Oneonta.
According to Trooper Sgt. Reginal King, preliminary reports indicate that Bates was operating a 1947 Indian Chief motorcycle when he veered off the roadway and struck a tree.
Despite immediate emergency response efforts, Bates was pronounced dead at the scene.
Authorities have not released further details about what may have led to the crash.
The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency’s Highway Patrol Division continues to investigate the incident.
Volusia County, Fla. — A 16-year-old boy has died after being found unresponsive in the Indian River during a weekend camping and fishing trip, according to the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office.
Authorities identified the teen as Hunter McKelvin of Paisley. Deputies said he was discovered face-down in the water Saturday morning near a small island east of Maynard May Park in Edgewater.
Members of the group located the teen and immediately began CPR before transporting him by boat to Maynard May Park.
Upon arrival, officers with the Edgewater Police Department and other emergency responders took over life-saving efforts.
McKelvin was then transported to a local hospital, where he was pronounced deceased later that morning.
Investigators reported that no visible injuries were observed, and there were no immediate signs of foul play or suspicious circumstances during the initial investigation.
An autopsy has been scheduled as authorities continue to examine the circumstances surrounding the incident.