Blount County, AL – Shannon Gatlin Loses Life in Head-On Crash on AL-75

Blount County, AL (June 30, 2023) – The Alabama law enforcement agency confirmed that 57-year-old Shannon Gatlin lost his life as a result of a crash that took place in Blount County on Thursday afternoon, June 29.

Just before 1:00 p.m., ALEA's Highway Patrol Division troopers confirmed that a head-on collision between vehicles took place on Alabama 75, just one mile south of the town of Susan Moore. The incident caused severe delays in the area.

Four people were injured as a result of the crash. The victims were identified as Gatlin, 53-year-old Scott Melvin, 72-year-old Connie Barksdale, and 74-year-old Johnny Barksdale. Gatlin and Melvin were both transported to Ascension St. Vincent’s Blount Hospital, where Gatlin passed away from his injuries.

Ms. Barksdale and Mr. Barksdale were both transported to the University of Alabama at Birmingham Hospital for emergency care.

The incident is currently being investigated.

We hope Johnny Barksdale, Connie Barksdale, and Scott Melvin are able to recover quickly.

Our condolences are with the family of Shannon Gatlin at this time.

Fatal Car Accidents in Alabama

In 2020, the tragic loss of over 900 lives occurred in automobile accidents throughout Alabama. Despite the existence of laws aimed at safeguarding motorists on our roads, the number of fatalities resulting from motor vehicle accidents continues to rise.

These accidents often stem from the negligence and carelessness of drivers while operating their vehicles. Several common factors contribute to car accidents in Alabama.

Distractions: Redirecting your attention to phones or other distractions instead of focusing on the road increases the likelihood of collisions with other vehicles or pedestrians.

Impairment: When drivers are under the influence of drugs or alcohol, they often lack the ability to make sound decisions and operate their vehicles responsibly.

Speeding: Exceeding the designated speed limit significantly increases the risk of losing control of a vehicle and colliding with others.

Disregarding traffic control devices: Running red lights, ignoring stop signs, or failing to yield the right-of-way at intersections can result in severe injuries or fatalities for those involved.

Losing a loved one in a fatal accident is an incredibly challenging experience. Many families struggle to cover the financial burdens associated with funeral costs, burial expenses, loss of income, and more. Taking quick legal action after losing a loved one is critical.

Working with a wrongful death lawyer in Blount County can assist your family in pursuing a legal claim against the responsible party to seek compensation. A wrongful death claim can provide the financial support your family needs during this difficult period.

At Cockrell, Cockrell, Ritchey & Ritchey, LLP, we are dedicated to providing you with the best possible legal service for your case. Our experienced attorneys understand the difficulties associated with wrongful death suits and how emotionally taxing they can be for the families of those lost. We will do our best to fight for justice in your case so that your loved one’s memory can be honored and their family is given closure. If you need assistance filing a wrongful death suit or want more information on our services, contact us today at 205-349-2009.

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.