Elmore Co, AL - Dawnielle A Rhodes Dies in Car Crash at Fern Rd and Ceasarville Rd

Elmore Co, AL (January 27, 2025) – A tragic car accident occurred on Friday, January 24, in Elmore County, claiming the life of a woman. The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) reported that the collision took place around 7:36 p.m. at the intersection of Fern Road and Ceasarville Road, near Wetumpka.

According to ALEA, 24-year-old Dawnielle A. Rhodes was driving a 2010 Nissan Altima when her car collided with a 1998 Dodge Ram 1500 pickup truck, driven by 20-year-old Elijah B. Arant. Rhodes was pronounced dead at the scene. The passenger in her car, 24-year-old Skylar P. Bearden, sustained injuries and was taken to Baptist Medical Center South in Montgomery for treatment.

Elijah B. Arant, the driver of the Dodge Ram, was also transported to Baptist Medical Center South with injuries. A 17-year-old passenger in his truck was taken to a local hospital for further evaluation.

Emergency responders quickly arrived at the scene to manage traffic while an investigation took place. Firefighters assisted with the removal of the vehicles involved, and medical teams transported the injured individuals to nearby hospitals. ALEA is continuing to investigate the cause of the crash.

We offer our heartfelt condolences to the families and friends affected by this devastating event. Our thoughts are also with the injured individuals, as we hope for their swift recovery.

Fatal Car Accidents in Elmore County

Elmore County has seen a rise in fatal car accidents, with 16.1 fatalities per 100,000 residents in 2021, higher than the state average. Common causes include speeding, distracted driving, and not using seat belts.

In Alabama, a "wrongful death" occurs when someone dies due to another's negligence or wrongful act, such as in car accidents. Families may file a lawsuit under Alabama Code § 6-5-410 to seek damages. These claims can arise from various situations, and the statute of limitations for filing is two years. Families should consult with an experienced attorney to navigate the legal process and secure appropriate compensation.

If you have lost a loved one in a fatal car accident locally, it’s important to have a compassionate and proficient Elmore County wrongful death lawyer  on your side. At Cockrell, Cockrell, Ritchey & Ritchey, LLP, we work tirelessly to secure favorable outcomes for our clients in multi-vehicle accident cases.

Call (205) 349-2009 to speak with one of our attorneys at Cockrell, Cockrell, Ritchey & Ritchey, about your loved one's Elmore County car accident. We’ll provide the legal support you need and ensure that your rights are fully protected throughout the claims process.

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.