ATHENS-Athens Police Chief Floyd Johnson released a statement concerning a fatal crash that took place on Thursday morning, July 13:
“This morning at 8:07 the police department received a call of a traffic accident on US 72 at the Lucasferry Road intersection. When officers arrived several citizens were attempting to get to the driver and put out a fire in the rear area of the vehicle. Athens Fire & Rescue arrived about the same time and was able to put the fire out, enter the vehicle and extricate the driver. Athens Limestone Ambulance Service treated the driver till Huntsville Med-Flight arrived and flew her to Huntsville Hospital. The vehicles involved in the accident were a Jeep Wrangler and a tractor trailer truck.
The driver of the Jeep Wrangler was Dawn Whitt Trousdale. She was 45 years old and from Rogersville, AL. Our department was notified later this morning she had passed away due to injuries she received in the accident.
Witnesses told officers the Jeep and the tractor trailer was traveling east on US 72. The Jeep had stopped for the traffic light. The tractor trailer struck the back. Our investigation into the accident is ongoing. I do anticipate this case being sent to the District Attorney’s office with a recommendation it be presented to a future grand jury. Our department is being assisted by ALEA troopers. “
