Three Killed in Multi-Vehicle Crash on I-65 in Chilton Co., AL

Chilton County, AL (July 22, 2026) – Three people lost their lives and another person was injured in a multi-vehicle crash on I-65 approximately two miles south of Verbena on Monday, July 21, according to the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency.

Investigators said a GMC Envoy crossed the median and collided head-on with a GMC Sierra pickup truck. Debris from the initial impact also struck a third vehicle. Valerie Granville, 65, Vensen Granville, 39, and Willie Gholston, 69, all of Montgomery, were pronounced dead at the scene.

The driver of the pickup truck was injured and transported to a Montgomery hospital for treatment. 

Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the fatal crash.

Our hearts go out to the families and loved ones of Valerie Granville, Vensen Granville, and Willie Gholston. And we wish the injured person a full recovery.

How Can Families Preserve Important Evidence After a Fatal Car Accident in Alabama?

Preserving evidence after a fatal car accident in Alabama can be an important step for families seeking answers about how the collision occurred.

Documents and records collected early may also be helpful when insurance matters or potential legal claims are reviewed.

Acting promptly may help preserve information that could become more difficult to obtain as time passes.

As the investigation continues, several types of documentation may help clarify the circumstances surrounding the crash. Useful evidence may include photographs of the vehicles, medical and hospital records, crash reports, witness contact information, and documentation of funeral expenses or other financial losses.

Families may also wish to keep copies of insurance correspondence, repair or towing records, and any communications related to the accident, as these materials can help establish a clearer timeline of events.

Beyond understanding how the collision happened, families are often faced with unexpected financial and administrative responsibilities. Fatal crashes can leave loved ones dealing with insurance matters, medical expenses, funeral costs, and the loss of financial support.

Organizing accident-related documents in one place may make it easier to respond to requests from insurance companies and provide a more complete record of the losses connected to the collision.

When questions arise about insurance coverage or possible legal action, reviewing the available information can help families better understand their options.

A wrongful death attorney can review the circumstances of a fatal collision, explain how Alabama law may apply, and discuss potential legal options based on the available information.

Legal guidance may also assist with preserving evidence, reviewing insurance issues, and determining whether a claim may be appropriate.

If you lost a loved one in a vehicle crash, the team at Cockrell, Cockrell, Ritchey & Ritchey can help you with your legal options. Our firm has extensive experience handling fatal accidents and serious injury cases involving different kinds of vehicles.

If you have questions after a fatal crash in Alabama, contact Cockrell, Cockrell, Ritchey & Ritchey at 205-349-2009 to speak with our wrongful death attorneys and discuss your case.

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.