FLORENCE-The Florence Police Department issued a statement concerning a reckless driver call on Tuesday, March 27 that resulted in the death of the driver of the vehicle:
“On 3/27/2018 Florence Police received several calls of a reckless driver on Highway 20 coming into Florence. During this time a Lauderdale County Deputy passed the vehicle and had to dodge the vehicle going into the county on Highway 20. The Deputy turned around to attempt to catch up to the vehicle. The vehicle then lost control when it started into the curve before Cypress Creek Bridge and left the roadway.
When LASO and FPD arrived on scene the vehicle had struck a tree and the driver was ejected. The driver was William Ashley Jr. he was pronounced dead at the scene. Mr. Ashley was taken to Alabama Forensic Science Lab for autopsy. It is unknown if Mr. Ashley was under the influence or had medical issues.
The Accident is still under investigation, any witnesses that have not spoken to Law Enforcement can contact Det Troy Gurley at 256-768-2764.”
