Jesse Southard and April Ballard Obituary, Death; A tragic early morning crash on Interstate 65 in Pelham has claimed the lives of two individuals following a devastating wrong-way collision.
According to the Shelby County Coroner’s Office, the victims have been identified as 20-year-old Jesse Southard of Birmingham and 37-year-old April Ballard of Leeds.
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Authorities say the crash occurred around 3 a.m. on April 24 when Ballard’s truck was traveling southbound in the northbound lanes of Interstate 65. Officials reported that Southard’s vehicle was struck head-on, resulting in a severe and fatal collision.
Emergency crews responded swiftly to the scene, and the crash led to the closure of the northbound lanes of I-65 between the Tank Farm exit and the Oak Mountain State Park exit for several hours. Authorities worked to clear the wreckage and investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Officials have since confirmed that the roadway has been reopened and traffic has resumed.
As the investigation continues, the loss of Jesse Southard and April Ballard has left their families, friends, and communities grieving a heartbreaking tragedy. Authorities are continuing to examine the details leading up to the crash.