Local News
Moulton Mother and her two children killed in two-vehicle wreck in Lawrence County
LAWRENCE COUNTY, Ala. — A devastating two-vehicle crash at a rural intersection has left a mother and two children dead, while two other children remain in critical condition, authorities confirmed.
The collision occurred at the intersection of Alabama Highway 157 and Alabama Highway 24 in Moulton and involved a Chevrolet Suburban and a Ford F-150 pickup truck.
According to officials, 33-year-old Ashley Haygood was driving the Suburban with her four children inside when the vehicle was struck on the side by the pickup.
Emergency responders pronounced two children, 13-year-old Bryant Ballew and 7-year-old Bryleigh Pledger, deceased at the scene.
Haygood was transported to a nearby hospital but later succumbed to her injuries.
Two additional children in the vehicle, identified as 10-year-old Bentley Pledger and 7-year-old Brynleigh Pledger, sustained critical injuries and were airlifted to Children’s of Birmingham, where they remain in intensive care.
The driver of the Ford F-150 sustained only minor injuries.
Authorities temporarily shut down the intersection for several hours as crews worked the scene and investigators began reconstructing the crash.
The roadway has since reopened, but the investigation into the cause of the collision remains ongoing.
Family members and community members have described Haygood as a devoted mother whose life centered around her children.
The tragic loss has sent shockwaves through the Moulton and Hartselle communities, with an outpouring of support and condolences for the affected families.
First responders who arrived at the scene were confronted with a deeply traumatic situation, working urgently to provide aid under extremely difficult circumstances.
As the community grieves, local leaders and residents are calling for prayers and support for the families, particularly for the two children who remain hospitalized and fighting for their lives.
The tragedy has left a lasting impact, with many emphasizing the importance of coming together in the days ahead to support those affected by the loss.
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.