Judy Downs Dies in Hwy 189 Accident Near Elba in Coffee Co

clock Created with Sketch Beta. April 27, 2026
Judy Downs Dies in Hwy 189 Accident Near Elba in Coffee Co

COFFEE, AL (April 24, 2026) – A 78-year-old woman was killed and another person injured in a head-on crash Friday afternoon north of Elba in Coffee County.

According to the Coffee County Coroner’s Office, Judy C. Downs of Elba died as a result of the collision.

Alabama troopers said Downs was driving a truck that collided head-on with another vehicle shortly after 4 p.m. on State Highway 189 near mile marker 20, less than a mile north of Elba.

Downs was pronounced dead at the scene. The other driver sustained injuries and was airlifted to a nearby hospital for treatment.

Authorities said the circumstances surrounding the crash were not immediately clear, and the incident remains under investigation.


CRASH INVESTIGATION NEEDED

Head-on collisions are less common than other crash types but are often far more severe, frequently resulting in fatalities or serious injuries due to the force of impact. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that 39,345 people died in traffic crashes in 2024.

While authorities continue to examine the cause and determine liability, Candice Bond, an experienced accident attorney and Managing Partner at Bond Legal, emphasized the importance of an independent investigation conducted by a skilled attorney.

“In addition to the work of law enforcement, an attorney can re-interview key witnesses, review any available surveillance footage from the crash scene, and obtain phone and text records of the responsible party,” said Bond, a national analyst for Accident Injury News.

Time is critical in cases like this, and it is essential that the victim’s family ensures evidence is reviewed promptly and thoroughly.


WRONGFUL DEATH CLAIM

Pending the results of the investigation, the family of Judy C. Downs may have the right to pursue a wrongful death claim. Families of victims may seek compensation for loss of companionship, emotional suffering, and distress following a tragic accident.

“We recognize that losing a loved one brings both emotional and financial hardship,” said Stefano Formica, of counsel with Bond Legal.

“If a loved one has died due to another party’s negligence, it is important to seek guidance from a wrongful death attorney to pursue the justice and compensation you deserve.”


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


Have you been in a similar accident and need help? Speak to Accident Injury News's national legal analyst Candice Bond now free of charge for a no-obligation consultation

(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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