MUSCLE SHOALS-At approximately 10:35PM on August 9, 2025, Officers with the Muscle Shoals Police Department were dispatched to a traffic accident of a “Car versus Motorcycle,” at the intersection of Wilson Dam Rd and Avalon Ave. Once MSPD Patrol Officers arrived on scene, the decision was made for MSPD THI (Traffic Homicide Investigators) to be informed of the accident.
MSPD THI arrived on scene and determined that a 2004 Mercury Grand Marquis, driven by Marissa Smith, 28 of Muscle Shoals, collided with a 2001 Harley Davidson, ridden by Marlos Ritchie Jr., 51 of Florence. Ritchie was pronounced deceased on scene by Colbert Coroner, Justin Gasque. The collision took place within the intersection of Wilson Dam Rd and Avalon Ave.
This fatality is still under investigation by the Muscle Shoals Police Department Traffic Homicide Investigators. More information will become available once the investigation is complete. The Muscle Shoals Police Department would like to extend our condolences to the parties involved, and our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Marlos Ritchie Jr.
Media Release/Muscle Shoals Police Department
