Kristi D. Browning Obituary, Death – A tragic early morning crash on Friday, July 18, resulted in the death of a 55-year-old Pell City woman who was struck by a vehicle while walking along Interstate 20. Authorities with the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) have identified the victim as Kristi D. Browning.
According to ALEA’s preliminary report, the incident occurred at approximately 4:30 a.m. near the 208-mile marker on I-20, roughly three miles east of Heflin in Cleburne County. Browning was on foot when she was hit by a 2012 Chevrolet Malibu traveling along the interstate.
The car involved in the crash was being driven by 29-year-old Matthew J. Preece of Anniston. While full details surrounding the circumstances of the collision remain under investigation, ALEA confirmed that Browning sustained fatal injuries upon impact and was pronounced dead at the scene by first responders.
The Alabama Highway Patrol Division responded to the scene and is currently handling the investigation. Officials have not yet released further details on what may have led to Browning being on the interstate at that early hour or whether any contributing factors such as visibility, weather, or driver impairment played a role in the incident.
Authorities have not indicated if charges are pending or whether the driver will face any legal consequences. As the investigation continues, they are working to gather more information to determine exactly how and why the fatal collision occurred.
Browning’s death adds to a growing number of pedestrian fatalities in Alabama, where incidents involving people on foot along major highways remain a serious public safety concern. The early morning timing and location on an interstate suggest limited visibility and high vehicle speeds may have been factors, although officials have yet to confirm this.
Family, friends, and community members in Pell City are mourning the unexpected loss of Browning, whose life was tragically cut short under these devastating circumstances. No statements from family members or the driver involved have been made public at this time.
The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency is urging any potential witnesses or individuals with information regarding the crash to come forward to assist with the investigation. As standard procedure, the agency will continue to analyze the scene and any available evidence, such as vehicle data, road conditions, and any surveillance footage that may help clarify the series of events leading to the collision.
Until the investigation concludes, ALEA has not commented on whether any citations or charges will be issued. The incident serves as a somber reminder of the dangers pedestrians face, especially on high-speed roadways not designed for foot traffic.
ALEA has pledged to provide updates as more information becomes available. In the meantime, the community continues to process the loss of Kristi Browning, as investigators work to bring clarity and closure to the tragic incident.
