Thomas Oliver Swindle Jr. Obituary, Death – A Chickasaw man lost his life in a serious crash in Baldwin County on Thursday afternoon, according to the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA). Authorities confirmed that the victim was 65-year-old Thomas Oliver Swindle Jr., who was killed in the wreck along Interstate 65.
The crash happened shortly after 4 p.m. on September 4 near the 35-mile marker of I-65. Officials say Swindle was riding as a passenger in a Jeep when the vehicle suddenly veered off the roadway. The Jeep left the interstate, struck a tree with significant force, and then overturned.
Emergency responders rushed to the scene, but despite their efforts, Swindle was pronounced dead there. His death marks another tragic reminder of how quickly accidents can turn fatal, especially when vehicles leave the highway and collide with fixed objects.
The driver of the Jeep, whose name has not been released, survived the crash but sustained injuries. She was transported to University Hospital for treatment. Authorities did not provide immediate details about the extent of her injuries, but reports indicate she was conscious when emergency crews arrived.
Law enforcement officers remained at the crash site for several hours, working to reconstruct what led up to the deadly incident. Investigators are still piecing together whether factors such as speed, distraction, or mechanical failure played a role. No additional vehicles were involved in the crash, according to ALEA.
Local residents in Baldwin County who frequently travel this stretch of I-65 are familiar with the area where the Jeep left the road. The section near the 35-mile marker has been the scene of several crashes in past years, partly due to curves and heavy traffic flow. Safety advocates have long urged drivers to stay alert on interstate highways, as even a brief lapse in attention can result in catastrophic outcomes.
Swindle’s passing has left family and friends in Chickasaw mourning the sudden and heartbreaking loss. At 65, he was remembered as someone deeply rooted in his community. While his name has now been added to Baldwin County’s 2025 list of roadway fatalities, loved ones hope his story serves as a reminder for drivers to exercise caution behind the wheel.
As the investigation continues, ALEA troopers are asking motorists to drive defensively, wear seatbelts at all times, and avoid distractions when traveling on high-speed roads like I-65. They have not yet determined whether charges will be filed against the driver or if the crash will be classified strictly as an accident.
The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency will release more information as it becomes available. For now, the crash stands as a sobering incident highlighting the dangers of roadway departures.
In summary, Thomas Oliver Swindle Jr., 65, of Chickasaw, died Thursday when the Jeep he was riding in left Interstate 65 in Baldwin County, hit a tree, and overturned. The driver was injured and taken to the hospital. Investigators are continuing to look into what caused the tragic accident.
