ATHENS-A commercial vehicle was involved in a series of crashes that resulted in the loss of life, an injury and the arrest of the commercial vehicle’s driver.
A two-vehicle crash that occurred at approximately 6:40 p.m. Tuesday, April 6, has claimed the life of a Birmingham man. William D. Hardrick , 22, was fatally injured when the 2009 Chevrolet Impala that he was driving was struck by a 2000 Peterbilt tractor-trailer driven by John W. McAdams, 31, of Winfield. As a result of the impact, the Chevrolet left the
John W. McAdams
roadway, struck a fence, a guardrail and then overturned. Hardwick was pronounced deceased at the scene. McAdams failed to stop and fled the scene of the crash.
Prior to striking the Chevrolet, McAdams was involved in a previous crash where the Peterbilt that he was driving, struck a 2017 Nissan Sentra driven by Gabrielle H. Furline, 20, of Athens. Furline was injured and transported to Athens Hospital for treatment. After striking multiple vehicles the Peterbilt eventually came to a stop and caught fire.
McAdams was arrested by Troopers with the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency’s (ALEA) Highway Patrol Division. McAdams was charged with Murder, two counts of Felony Leaving the Scene of an Accident and Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol.
The crash occurred on Interstate 65 near U.S. 31, approximately two miles north of Athens, in Limestone County. Nothing further is available as Troopers with the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency’s (ALEA) Highway Patrol Division continue to investigate.
Media Release/Senior Trooper Brandon Bailey/Alabama Law Enforcement Agency
