Hackleburg, Alabama — A devastating three-vehicle crash south of Hackleburg claimed the life of a 50-year-old woman Thursday evening, leaving a community heartbroken and investigators piecing together the tragic chain of events that unfolded in moments. The collision occurred along U.S. Route 43 at approximately 5:15 p.m. on October 9, 2025, during peak traffic hours.
According to the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA), the crash began when a 2025 Kia Soul, driven by Amanda Thomas, was struck from behind by a 2012 Jeep Wrangler. The force of that initial rear-end collision propelled the Kia into oncoming traffic, directly into the path of a 2014 Jeep Wrangler driven by Kristi King, who never had time to react.
The impact was catastrophic. King’s Jeep collided head-on with the Kia, resulting in devastating damage to both vehicles. Investigators said King was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash, a factor that likely contributed to the severity of her injuries. She was pronounced dead at the scene by emergency responders shortly after they arrived.
Thomas, 43, suffered multiple injuries in the crash and was transported to Russellville Hospital for treatment. Her condition has not been publicly released, though officials confirmed she was conscious when first responders reached her vehicle. The 19-year-old driver of the rear Jeep, whose name has not been disclosed, escaped without physical injury and remained at the scene to speak with troopers.
Authorities described the accident as a tragic sequence that unfolded within seconds — a reminder of how one small moment on the road can change lives forever. Traffic on U.S. 43 was halted for several hours as ALEA troopers reconstructed the scene, taking measurements, photographs, and statements from witnesses. The crash remains under active investigation.
Witnesses traveling along the same stretch of highway reported seeing the Kia struck suddenly from behind before being thrust into the opposite lane. “It happened so fast,” one motorist said. “There was no time for anyone to stop or move out of the way.” The sound of the collision, according to nearby residents, could be heard from several blocks away.
King’s death has left the Hackleburg community in mourning. Friends and neighbors described her as a kind-hearted woman with a vibrant spirit and deep roots in the area. Social media posts from those who knew her reflected an outpouring of sorrow, remembrance, and disbelief that such a tragedy could happen so close to home.
Local officials have renewed calls for safe driving practices in response to the fatal crash, emphasizing the importance of wearing seat belts and maintaining safe distances on highways. “Even a small lapse in attention or caution can result in irreversible consequences,” one trooper stated. “This tragedy underscores the fragility of life on the road.”
As investigators continue to determine the exact cause and contributing factors, ALEA has confirmed that toxicology results and vehicle inspections are pending. No charges have been filed at this time, though officials will review all evidence before making further decisions.
For now, Hackleburg is left grieving the loss of one of its own. What began as an ordinary drive home turned into a devastating moment that has forever altered several lives. Along U.S. Route 43, the stretch of road where the crash occurred now stands as a solemn reminder of how quickly tragedy can strike — and how deeply a community feels the weight of such loss.
