Birmingham, AL – Man Killed in Pedestrian Crash on I-65 near 17th St N

Birmingham, AL (April 11, 2026) – A 28-year-old man lost his life after being struck by a vehicle on Wednesday, April 8, on Interstate 65 near the 17th Street North exit in Birmingham.

Authorities said the incident began around 5:27 a.m. when two vehicles were involved in a crash along the interstate. After the initial accident, both vehicles moved to opposite shoulders of the roadway.

According to officials, one of the drivers, identified as Chase Alan Murray of Hayden, got out of his vehicle and attempted to cross the interstate. During that time, an oncoming vehicle struck him in the roadway.

Emergency units arrived and found Murray with severe injuries. He was pronounced dead at the scene at approximately 6:03 a.m.

No additional details have been released about the driver of the vehicle that struck Murray or whether any other injuries occurred in the incident. Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the crash.

We extend our sincere condolences to the family and loved ones of the deceased victim during this challenging time.

What is the deadliest highway in Alabama?

When discussing the deadliest highway in Alabama, multiple traffic safety studies consistently point to Interstate 65 (I-65) as the most dangerous roadway in the state. This major north–south corridor runs through key cities like Mobile, Montgomery, and Birmingham, carrying a high volume of daily traffic and long-distance travelers.

According to national crash data, I-65 averages about 33 fatal accidents per year, making it the deadliest highway in Alabama based on overall fatalities.

Several factors contribute to the high number of serious and fatal crashes on I-65. The highway combines heavy congestion in urban areas like Birmingham with long rural stretches between cities, where higher speeds and driver fatigue play a role.

Portions of I-65, particularly between Birmingham and Montgomery, have recorded dozens of fatal crashes over recent years, with risks tied to merging traffic, weather conditions, and limited visibility.

Other roads also rank among Alabama’s most dangerous highways. U.S. Route 431, often referred to as the “Highway to Hell,” is known for steep grades, sharp curves, and a high fatal crash rate per mile. Interstate 20 (I-20), Interstate 59 (I-59), and U.S. Highway 280 are also frequently cited due to congestion, high speeds, and frequent collisions in both urban and rural sections.

Understanding which roads pose the greatest risk can help you stay alert and make safer decisions when traveling across Alabama. High-risk routes like I-65, I-20, and U.S. 431 demand extra caution, especially during peak traffic hours or poor weather conditions.

After you have recently lost a loved one in a car accident on I-65, U.S. 431, or another dangerous Alabama highway, it may be important to explore your legal options.

An experienced Alabama wrongful death lawyer can help you understand your rights, investigate the accident, and pursue compensation for medical bills, lost income, and other damages in a clear and supportive way.

At Cockrell, Cockrell, Ritchey & Ritchey, we have years of experience reviewing car acident cases in Birmingham and across Alabama. We assist victims by explaining options after fatal accidents and answering practical questions.

We can explain how insurance issues, medical documentation, and wrongful death statutes in Alabama may apply to your case.

If you want clear information about your options, you can contact Cockrell, Cockrell, Ritchey & Ritchey at 205-349-2009 to speak with our wrongful death lawyer today.

Notes: Our writers relied on secondary sources to create this article. Our staff has not independently verified all of the circumstances surrounding this accident; therefore, if you find any incorrect information, please contact Cockrell, Cockrell, Ritchey & Ritchey, LLP immediately so that we can update the post to reflect the most accurate information available. The post may be deleted upon request.

Disclaimer: This post's content is not intended to serve as legal or medical advice. The image used in this post was not taken at the described accident scene. This post is not intended as a business solicitation.