News Summary
A tragic accident on Highway 231 in Marshall County involved Huntsville’s Public Works Director, resulting in the death of Hank Hornbuckle. The incident raised concerns about highway safety amidst adverse weather. Mayor Tommy Battle expressed condolences and emphasized the importance of traffic safety. Emergency responders assisted at the scene, while an investigation is underway.
Huntsville – A tragic accident occurred on July 1, 2023, on Highway 231 in Marshall County involving Huntsville’s Public Works Director, Chris McNeese, while driving a city-owned vehicle. The crash resulted in the death of 44-year-old Hank Hornbuckle, a rear-seat passenger who was ejected from the vehicle.
As it stands, Chris McNeese was behind the wheel of a Chevy Tahoe when the vehicle hydroplaned due to heavy rainfall, lost control, crossed the median, and ultimately overturned after colliding with a tree. Hornbuckle, who worked with the City of Huntsville’s Public Works Department since 2010, was pronounced dead at the accident scene. In addition to McNeese, another passenger, Donnie Dowdy, sustained injuries in the incident. Dowdy is also employed by the City of Huntsville and serves as a member of the New Hope City Council.
This fatal accident has raised significant concern among local residents. Many have voiced worries about the safety of the highway, particularly regarding speeding and driving in adverse weather conditions. Residents have observed a pattern of crashes occurring in the area, prompting calls for increased safety measures.
In response to this tragic event, Mayor Tommy Battle extended the city’s condolences, recognizing Hank Hornbuckle’s contributions as a valued team member and a respected member of the community. The death of Hornbuckle has deeply affected those who knew him, and plans for his funeral have been set for July 8 at the New Hope Funeral Home Chapel.
In the aftermath of the crash, multiple local fire departments, including the Arab Fire Department, Brindlee Mountain Fire Department, Ruth Fire Department, and Union Grove Fire Department, responded to the scene to assist with emergency operations. Alabama State Troopers are currently conducting an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident, assessing factors that may have contributed to it.
While investigations are ongoing, local authorities and citizens are calling for discussions on traffic safety protocols in the area, particularly in the context of unpredictable weather patterns that have led to increased risks on roadways. There is a strong desire within the community to find effective ways of preventing such tragedies in the future and ensuring the safety of all road users.
This unfortunate incident highlights the importance of road safety, particularly in conditions that can lead to unpredictable vehicle behavior. Residents are encouraged to stay informed on local traffic conditions and to drive cautiously, especially in adverse weather.
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Additional Resources
- WAFF 48: Crash Report on Huntsville’s Public Works Director
- Wikipedia: Traffic Safety
- Rocket City Now: New Details on Deadly Marshall County Crash
- Google Search: Huntsville traffic safety
- WHNT: Huntsville City Employee Drove Too Fast on Wet Roads
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Motor Vehicle Accident
- MSN: New Details on Crash that Killed Huntsville Public Works Employee
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.
