News Summary
A vehicle accident in Marshall County, Alabama, resulted in the death of a Huntsville Public Works employee and left two others injured. The incident involved a 2023 Chevrolet Tahoe that overturned and struck a tree. Local officials have expressed deep condolences, highlighting the employee’s community impact. As investigations continue, the community mourns the loss of a dedicated public servant and addresses road safety concerns.
Huntsville, Alabama – Employee Killed in Tragic Vehicle Accident
A tragic vehicle accident on July 1, 2025, in Marshall County, Alabama, claimed the life of a Huntsville Public Works employee and left two others injured. The accident occurred around 1:30 p.m. on U.S. Highway 231, near Mountain View Road, close to Arab. The incident involved a single vehicle, specifically a 2023 Chevrolet Tahoe, reportedly driven by Chris McNeese, the Director of Public Works.
During the collision, Hank Hornbuckle, a 44-year-old passenger from New Hope, Alabama, was ejected from the vehicle and pronounced dead at the scene. Preliminary reports indicated Hornbuckle was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the accident. McNeese and another passenger, Donnie Dowdy, a current New Hope City Council member, sustained injuries and were subsequently transported to Huntsville Hospital for medical treatment.
According to law enforcement, the Tahoe left the roadway, overturned, struck a ditch, and subsequently collided with a tree. The circumstances surrounding the crash are currently under investigation by the Alabama State Troopers, while the Marshall County Coroner confirmed that no other vehicles were involved in the incident, dismissing earlier reports suggesting otherwise.
Community Impact and Reactions
The death of Hornbuckle has sparked an outpouring of grief within the community. City council members have expressed their heartfelt condolences, recognizing Hornbuckle as a dedicated employee and respected leader. He was recently a candidate for the New Hope City Council, having announced his candidacy for Place 4 just a week prior to the accident on June 25, 2025. Community leaders have referred to him as someone who exemplified public service through his commitment, character, and community spirit.
New Hope Mayor Roger Walling described the incident as a tragedy, urging prayers for those affected and their families as they navigate this difficult time. Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle also conveyed his sympathies, emphasizing Hornbuckle’s significance to the community and his contributions as a public servant.
Emergency Response
The response to the incident involved multiple fire departments, including those from Arab, Brindlee Mountain, Ruth, and Union Grove, which assisted at the scene. Their quick action provided necessary support in the immediate aftermath of the accident. Detailed investigations are ongoing to determine the exact circumstances surrounding the crash.
Background Information
As the investigation proceeds, the community in Huntsville and New Hope is left to ponder the loss of a valued member, whose commitment to service highlighted his role as an engaged citizen. Hornbuckle’s candidacy for local office speaks to his aspirations to influence his community positively, and his untimely passing leaves a significant void. City officials are working to support the families affected and advocate for safety on local roadways to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
As the story develops, local authorities will continue to release information regarding the investigation and the circumstances that led to this unfortunate incident.
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Additional Resources
- WAFF: Authorities Release New Details on Crash
- Rocket City Now: Huntsville City Employees Involved in Wreck
- WAAY TV: City of Huntsville Employee Killed
- WHNT: Coroner Says One Dead, Two Injured in Wreck
- AL.com: Most Huntsville Roadways are Slick
- Wikipedia: Huntsville, Alabama
- Google Search: Huntsville Alabama Public Works Accident
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Huntsville
- Google News: Huntsville Alabama Crash
Author: STAFF HERE HUNTSVILLE WRITER
The HUNTSVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHuntsville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Huntsville, Madison County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Panoply Arts Festival, Rocket City Brewfest, and Huntsville Comic & Pop Culture Expo. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber of Commerce and HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, plus leading businesses in aerospace, defense, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Boeing, SAIC, and Mazda Toyota Manufacturing. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBirmingham.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.
