Jesse Southard dies in Shelby County wrong-way accident

clock Created with Sketch Beta. April 26, 2026
Jesse Southard dies in Shelby County wrong-way accident

PELHAM, AL, (April 24, 2026) – Two people were killed early Friday morning in a wrong-way crash on Interstate 65 in Pelham, according to the Shelby County Coroner’s Office.

One of the victims was identified as 20-year-old Jesse Southard of Birmingham.

Authorities said the crash occurred at approximately 2:15 a.m. when a Ford Explorer traveling southbound in the northbound lanes of I-65 collided head-on with a Mazda 3 driven by Southard.

Southard was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the Ford Explorer also sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced dead.

A fundraiser has been established to assist Southard’s family during this difficult time.

The crash remains under investigation.

Incident Location


FATAL WRONG-WAY ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION

According to the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), approximately 400 people are killed each year in wrong-way crashes. Driver error is the leading cause of these types of accidents, which can also involve impaired driving, distracted driving, poor roadway design, and driver confusion.

Candice Bond, an experienced auto accident attorney, noted that in cases like this, it is essential to have an independent investigation conducted promptly by a reputable law firm to preserve key evidence.

“In addition to reviewing the police report, an attorney will thoroughly examine all factors that may have contributed to the crash,” said Bond, Managing Partner at Bond Legal and a national analyst for Accident Injury News. “Legal counsel has the resources to hire expert witnesses, review driver histories, locate witnesses, and assess insurance coverage. Serving as an advocate, an attorney can help guide a family through this difficult time while protecting their legal rights.”


WRONGFUL DEATH CLAIM

The family members of Jesse Southard may be entitled to pursue a wrongful death claim. Families of wrongful death victims may seek compensation for loss of companionship, pain, suffering, and emotional distress following a tragic accident.

“We understand the challenges families face after such a devastating loss, and protecting their rights is critical,” said Stefano Formica, Of Counsel with Bond Legal. “A wrongful death attorney will stay informed about the official investigation and work to ensure that the family’s best interests are represented. Relatives of victims may seek damages for loss of companionship, pain and suffering, and emotional distress following a catastrophic accident.”


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


If you or a family member have been involved in a situation similar to this article and would like to speak to our national legal analyst Candice Bond free of charge, please use the contact information found on this page

(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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