Local News
Motorcyclist Killed in Hit-and-Run Crash on I-59 Near Arkadelphia Road in Birmingham
A fatal hit-and-run crash is under investigation following a deadly collision Saturday night on an interstate in Birmingham.
According to authorities, the incident occurred at approximately 8:34 p.m. in the northbound lanes of Interstate 59 near Arkadelphia Road.
Officers responded to reports of a crash and, upon arrival, discovered a motorcyclist lying in the roadway alongside the damaged motorcycle.
Emergency responders pronounced the victim deceased at the scene.
The victim has been identified as Melvin Gordon.
Melvin Gordon was the member of Tru-Rider’s Motorcycle Club.
Preliminary information provided by Sgt. Bryan Shelton indicates that the motorcyclist was struck by an unidentified SUV.
The driver of that vehicle fled the scene immediately following the collision. At this time, investigators have not released a description of the suspect vehicle.
The Birmingham Police Department is actively investigating the incident and is urging anyone who may have witnessed the crash or has relevant information to come forward. Tips can be reported directly to police or submitted anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 205-254-7777.
The investigation remains ongoing.
Local News
29-Year-Old Alex Rodriguez Found Dead on University of Illinois at UrbanaโChampaign, No Foul Play Suspected
URBANA, Ill. โ 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 Coronerโs 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 Coronerโs 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 Rodriguezโs 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 Rodriguezโs 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.