Local News
April Ballard and Jesse Southard Killed in Wrong-Way Crash on I-65 in Pelham
PELHAM, Ala. — A tragic early morning crash on Interstate 65 in Pelham claimed the lives of two individuals on Friday, April 24, according to the Shelby County Coroner’s Office.
Officials identified the victims as 20-year-old Jesse Southard of Birmingham and 36-year-old April Ballard of Leeds.
Both were pronounced dead following the head-on collision.
Authorities say the crash occurred around 3 a.m. when Ballard, driving a truck southbound in the northbound lanes of I-65, collided head-on with Southard’s vehicle.
The impact resulted in fatal injuries for both drivers.
The incident led to the temporary closure of the northbound lanes of I-65 between the Tank Farm exit and the Oak Mountain State Park exit, causing traffic disruptions for several hours as emergency crews responded and investigators processed the scene.
Shelby County Coroner Lina Evans confirmed that toxicology samples from both victims have been submitted to the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences for analysis.
While the investigation remains ongoing, authorities have indicated that alcohol impairment and excessive speed are believed to be potential contributing factors in the crash.
However, officials emphasized that final determinations will depend on the results of the ongoing investigation and toxicology reports.
In light of the fatal incident, officials are urging motorists to exercise caution, remain alert, and avoid impaired driving.
“People need to be aware of their surroundings at all times,” Evans stated, emphasizing the importance of safe and responsible driving behaviors.
The circumstances surrounding the crash continue to be investigated by local authorities.
Additional details are expected to be released as the investigation progresses.
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.