Two Lives Lost in Tragic Head-On Crash on Highway 43, Marengo County
MARENGO COUNTY, AL — November 7, 2025: A devastating early morning crash on U.S. Highway 43, just south of Linden, has left the Marengo County community heartbroken after two people lost their lives. The victims have been identified as 53-year-old Lashandra S. Bell of Gainesville, Alabama, and 19-year-old Lil Trez of Mobile, Alabama. The collision occurred around 7:15 a.m. near the 111-mile marker, roughly five miles south of Linden.
The Location and Circumstances
The tragic accident unfolded on a rural stretch of Highway 43, a heavily traveled route connecting several small towns in west-central Alabama. According to preliminary reports from the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA), both vehicles were traveling in opposite directions when one of them crossed the center line, leading to a violent head-on collision.
The weather at the time of the crash was clear, and road conditions were dry. Investigators are still determining what caused the driver to veer into the opposite lane. Early findings suggest the possibility of driver distraction or fatigue, but officials have not ruled out mechanical failure or other contributing factors.
The Victims
Lashandra S. Bell, 53, was driving a 2020 Nissan Altima northbound toward Linden when the collision occurred. Bell, a well-known resident of Gainesville, was described by friends and neighbors as a “kind-hearted, hardworking woman” who worked in healthcare and often volunteered at community events. She was reportedly on her way to work when the crash happened.
Lil Trez, 19, whose full name was not immediately released, was traveling southbound in a 2014 Chevrolet Impala. The young man from Mobile was an aspiring musician and student, known locally for his positive energy and passion for music. Friends said he had recently begun recording songs and dreamed of performing professionally. His family shared that he was visiting relatives in Marengo County before the crash.
Both victims were pronounced deceased at the scene by responding emergency personnel. Neither vehicle had passengers, and no other vehicles were involved in the collision.
Emergency Response
The Marengo County Sheriff’s Office, ALEA’s Highway Patrol Division, and Marengo County Fire & Rescue responded swiftly to the crash. First responders worked for over an hour to clear the wreckage, as both vehicles sustained catastrophic damage. Traffic was temporarily shut down in both directions on Highway 43 while investigators documented the scene and cleanup crews removed debris.
Following standard procedure, both bodies were transported to the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences for autopsies. Toxicology tests are being conducted to determine whether impairment played any role, though there is currently no evidence suggesting alcohol or drugs were factors.
Community Reaction
The news of the crash has sent shockwaves through both Gainesville and Mobile, where the victims’ families are mourning deeply. Friends of Lashandra Bell organized an evening vigil in Gainesville Park, lighting candles and sharing stories of her dedication to her family and community.
“Lashandra was the type of person who would give you her last dollar,” said neighbor Martha Jenkins. “She cared about everyone around her — her loss is something our town will feel for a long time.”
In Mobile, tributes to 19-year-old Lil Trez poured in on social media. His classmates and fellow musicians remembered him as a “bright light” and “a talent gone too soon.” One of his friends wrote, “He believed in his dreams and inspired all of us to chase ours.”
Official Statement
In a public release, Corporal Reginal King, spokesperson for the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, confirmed the victims’ identities and reiterated the ongoing nature of the investigation. “Both drivers were pronounced deceased at the scene. Our hearts go out to the families affected by this tragic event,” King said.
ALEA continues to investigate the cause of the collision, and authorities urge drivers to remain cautious on rural highways, especially during early morning hours when visibility and alertness may be reduced.
Moving Forward
The deadly crash serves as a sobering reminder of how quickly lives can change on Alabama’s roadways. Family members of both victims have expressed gratitude for the outpouring of community support and are preparing memorial services in the coming days.
As Marengo County mourns the loss of Lashandra S. Bell and Lil Trez, the community reflects on two lives — one of dedication and compassion, the other of youthful promise — both gone far too soon. Their memories now live on through those who loved them, as investigators continue their search for answers on what caused the fatal collision along Highway 43.
