Henry Jemison Obituary, Death – An 82-year-old man from Selma lost his life in a collision between his motorcycle and a tractor-trailer in Dallas County, Alabama, authorities confirmed. According to information released Friday by the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, the victim was identified as Henry Jemison. Trooper Sgt. Reginal King reported that the deadly wreck occurred Thursday evening around 6:20 p.m. along U.S. Highway 80, roughly four miles west of Selma.
Investigators said Jemison was operating a Can-Am Spyder GS motorcycle when the incident took place. While traveling along the highway, his vehicle collided with a Peterbilt tractor-trailer. The truck was being driven by 40-year-old William L. Henton III, a resident of Tuscaloosa. Details on how the crash unfolded have not yet been made available, but the impact proved to be fatal for Jemison.
Emergency responders were quickly dispatched to the scene, but despite their arrival, Jemison was pronounced dead where the crash occurred. He was the sole rider of the motorcycle at the time. No information has been released on whether Henton sustained any injuries in the collision.
The incident has drawn attention to the risks motorcyclists face when sharing the road with much larger commercial vehicles such as tractor-trailers. Unlike passenger vehicles, motorcycles provide far less protection in the event of a crash, often leaving riders vulnerable to serious or fatal injuries. At 82 years old, Jemison’s death underscores the reality that even experienced riders remain at high risk in traffic accidents involving heavy trucks.
U.S. Highway 80 is a major roadway in the region, frequently used by both commuters and commercial truck drivers. The section west of Selma where the wreck occurred has seen its share of traffic incidents over the years, given its mix of local and through traffic. Law enforcement officials continue to investigate the circumstances leading up to the crash, including road conditions, vehicle speeds, and other possible contributing factors.
Troopers have not released additional information about the cause of the wreck, nor have they indicated whether charges could be filed in connection to the incident. Sgt. King confirmed that the investigation is still ongoing, and further details may be provided once troopers complete their review of the crash.
The fatal accident adds to the rising concerns about roadway safety in Alabama, particularly involving older drivers and motorcyclists. State authorities consistently remind motorists of the importance of remaining vigilant, keeping safe distances, and being especially mindful of motorcycles, which are smaller and can be more difficult to spot in traffic.
For now, Jemison’s family and community are left mourning the sudden loss of a longtime Selma resident. As the investigation proceeds, troopers will continue working to determine how this tragic event unfolded.
In summary, the Dallas County crash claimed the life of 82-year-old Henry Jemison when his motorcycle collided with a tractor-trailer on U.S. 80. He was declared dead at the scene, and the Alabama State Troopers are leading the ongoing investigation into the fatal wreck.
