Local News
David Lee Rogers Jr Killed in Multi-Vehicle Crash Involving Birmingham Police Patrol Vehicle in Calera
Authorities are continuing to investigate a fatal crash involving multiple vehicles — including a patrol vehicle from the Birmingham Police Department — that resulted in the death of a pedestrian in Calera.
Police have identified the victim as David Lee Rogers Jr., 32.
The collision occurred one week ago on March 6 along U.S. Highway 31 just north of Highway 70 in Shelby County.
According to David Hyche, officers were dispatched to the scene following reports of a multi-vehicle crash involving several vehicles, including a Birmingham Police Department patrol unit. When emergency responders arrived, Rogers was found critically injured and was pronounced dead at the scene.
Officials have not yet disclosed which vehicle or vehicles struck Rogers, nor have they clarified the specific role of the police patrol vehicle in the collision.
Representatives from the Birmingham Police Department did not immediately respond to requests for comment regarding the incident.
The investigation is currently being led by the Shelby County Traffic Homicide Task Force. The Calera Police Department is assisting investigators and working in coordination with the Shelby County District Attorney’s Office.
Chief Hyche expressed condolences to the victim’s loved ones and thanked community members who attempted to assist Rogers following the crash.
“We appreciate everyone’s patience, understanding, and continued prayers for the Rogers family,” Hyche said. “The Calera Police Department extends its deepest condolences to the family and friends of David Lee Rogers Jr. during this difficult time.”
Authorities emphasized that the investigation remains active and ongoing, and additional details will be released once investigators have gathered more information.
Local News
29-Year-Old Alex Rodriguez Found Dead on University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign, No Foul Play Suspected
URBANA, Ill. — A 29-year-old Champaign man found dead on the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus Monday morning has been identified as Alex C. Rodriguez, according to the Champaign County Coroner’s Office.
The University of Illinois Police Department (UIPD) responded to the area of Green and Wright streets at approximately 6:42 a.m. after receiving a report of an unresponsive person near the Alma Mater statue.
Officers arrived and found Rodriguez on a concrete bench. Emergency medical assistance was requested at the scene.
The Champaign County Coroner’s Office responded, and Rodriguez was pronounced dead at approximately 7:16 a.m., according to Coroner Laurie Brauer.
Authorities said Rodriguez was not affiliated with the University of Illinois.
UIPD provided an update Monday afternoon, saying preliminary observations at the scene revealed no signs of foul play.
Police also said there was no evidence of an ongoing threat to the university campus or surrounding community based on the information available when officers responded.
Because investigators did not identify an active threat, the university did not issue an Illini-Alert emergency notification.
The circumstances surrounding Rodriguez’s death have not been determined.
An autopsy has been scheduled, and the death remains under investigation by the University of Illinois Police Department.
Authorities have not released additional information about the circumstances leading to Rodriguez’s death.
The investigation remains ongoing, and additional details are expected as investigators receive further information from the autopsy and other evidence.
No foul play has been indicated based on the preliminary investigation.