Barbara Koontz killed in hit-and-run on W Sixth Street AL

clock Created with Sketch Beta. April 26, 2026
Barbara Koontz killed in hit-and-run on W Sixth Street AL

MUSCLE SHOALS, AL, (April 12, 2026) – A Florence woman died following a hit-and-run crash in Muscle Shoals, and authorities have since arrested a suspect in connection with the incident.

According to the Muscle Shoals Police Department, officers responded to the 400 block of West Sixth Street on the night of April 12 after receiving reports of a pedestrian being struck.

Investigators said 67-year-old Barbara Ann Koontz was in the roadway attempting to retrieve a trampoline that had fallen from her Chevrolet 1500 when a speeding GMC 2500 Denali struck her as she tried to return to her vehicle.

Authorities reported that the driver briefly stopped to inspect the vehicle for damage before fleeing the scene.

Koontz was airlifted to Huntsville Hospital for emergency treatment but succumbed to her injuries shortly after arrival.

During the investigation, officers located the suspect vehicle abandoned in a hotel parking lot in Prattville. Following a multi-agency effort, 31-year-old Brett Wilson Black was arrested 11 days after the crash.

Black has been charged with criminally negligent homicide and leaving the scene of an accident resulting in death. He is currently being held in the Colbert County Jail on a $25,000 bond.

The Muscle Shoals Police Department continues to investigate the case.


FATAL ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION

In many hit-and-run cases, at-fault drivers believe they can escape accountability by leaving the scene. However, suspects are often identified and charged once located.

Leaving the scene of a crash is a criminal offense, and statistics show that more than one hit-and-run incident occurs every minute on roads across the United States.

Candice Bond, an experienced hit-and-run accident attorney, stated that it is critical to conduct a timely and independent investigation to help safeguard the rights of victims and their families.

“Having the appropriate resources is essential to properly investigate a hit-and-run case and establish negligence,” said Bond, Managing Partner of Bond Legal.

“Factors such as roadway conditions, lighting, and visibility are carefully reviewed as part of the investigation,” Bond added.

These steps are vital in helping families who have lost loved ones in hit-and-run crashes pursue justice and obtain the compensation they deserve.


WRONGFUL DEATH CLAIM

Pending the outcome of the investigation, the family of Barbara Koontz may have the option to file a wrongful death claim. Families of victims can pursue compensation for loss of companionship, emotional suffering, and other damages resulting from such tragedies.

“The grief and emotional strain after losing a loved one in an accident can be overwhelming,” said Stefano Formica, of counsel at Bond Legal.

“We understand the difficulties families face, and ensuring their rights are protected is crucial. A wrongful death attorney can follow the investigation closely and help safeguard the family’s legal interests.”


(This report is based on verified data - learn more on our About Us page.)


If your loved one has been killed by a hit-and-run driver and would like a no-cost consultation, please contact our national legal analyst Candice Bond today

(Candice Bond, our national legal analyst, is a Managing Partner at Bond Legal. Accident Injury News can and does use quotes from prior interviews with our analysts for our news articles. If you would like to contact Bond Legal to help you, please call 866-986-7738 or use the submission box found on this page. Legal analysts quoted may or may not be licensed in your state).

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