Derrick G. Barkley Obituary, Death – A fatal car crash claimed the life of a man in DeKalb County, Alabama, late Friday night, July 4, according to the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA). Authorities reported that the incident occurred around 11:55 p.m. and involved a single vehicle. The driver, identified as 48-year-old Derrick G. Barkley of Collinsville, was killed in the accident.
According to ALEA, Barkley was behind the wheel of a 2018 Chevrolet Colorado when the vehicle veered off the road. After leaving the roadway, the truck collided with a fence and then struck a utility pole before overturning. The violent impact caused fatal injuries to Barkley.
Investigators stated that Barkley was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash. Emergency responders arrived on the scene but were unable to save him. He was pronounced dead at the scene of the accident.
The crash happened on DeKalb County Road 30 near the intersection with DeKalb County Road 84, roughly three miles northwest of Collinsville. The area is known for being relatively rural, with winding roads that can be dangerous, particularly at night.
ALEA’s Highway Patrol Division is actively investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash. It remains unclear what may have caused Barkley to lose control of the vehicle, and officials have not yet released any information about potential contributing factors such as speed, road conditions, or impairment.
No other vehicles were involved in the crash, and no additional injuries were reported. Investigators are working to determine whether any mechanical issues or environmental conditions played a role.
This fatal crash has brought attention to the continued importance of seat belt usage, especially in rural areas where emergency response times may be longer and the chances of surviving a serious crash are often reduced without proper safety restraints.
As the investigation moves forward, state troopers are expected to conduct a thorough examination of the vehicle and reconstruct the crash scene to better understand what led to the accident. It’s unknown if witnesses were present or if surveillance footage from nearby properties might assist in the investigation.
Local residents have expressed condolences following the loss of Barkley, who was a member of the Collinsville community. Friends and family are mourning his unexpected death, which occurred on what should have been a night of celebration for Independence Day.
ALEA has not provided a timeline for when the investigation will be complete, but officials are urging drivers to always wear seat belts and remain alert, particularly when driving late at night on rural roads.
Further updates may be released as new details emerge from the ongoing investigation by the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency’s Highway Patrol Division.
