Huntsville, October 5, 2025
News Summary
A multi-car accident occurred on U.S. 72 near the 110 mile marker, resulting in the death of a 64-year-old man and injuries to four others. Walter Stephens III was driving a Hyundai Tiburon when he collided head-on with a Honda Pilot and a Toyota Highlander. The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency is investigating the incident, which highlights the critical importance of wearing seat belts.
Huntsville
A multi-car crash on U.S. 72 near the 110 mile marker on Saturday, September 13, resulted in the death of a 64-year-old man from Huntsville and injuries to four others. Walter Stephens III, the deceased, was driving a 2007 Hyundai Tiburon when his car collided head-on with a 2020 Honda Pilot driven by 45-year-old Jefford S. Wright, also from Huntsville. The accident occurred just before 9 p.m.
Following the initial collision with the Honda Pilot, Stephens’ vehicle then collided head-on with a 2011 Toyota Highlander, which was driven by 62-year-old Kathy Rena Barker Garth from Decatur. Tragically, Walter Stephens III was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the incident. He was transported to Huntsville Hospital for treatment, but succumbed to his injuries on Thursday, October 2.
Both Jefford S. Wright and his passenger, 38-year-old Ashley S. Wright, sustained injuries and were transported to Huntsville Hospital for medical treatment. A 1-year-old passenger in the Honda Pilot was also injured and taken to a local hospital for care. Additionally, Kathy Rena Barker Garth, the driver of the Toyota Highlander, suffered injuries and was transported to the same hospital.
The crash took place approximately three miles northwest of Gurley in Madison County. The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency’s Highway Patrol Division is currently investigating the incident to determine the exact circumstances surrounding the crash.
Details of the Crash
- Location: U.S. 72, near the 110 mile marker, Madison County, Alabama
- Date and Time: Saturday, September 13, just before 9 p.m.
- Fatality: Walter Stephens III, aged 64, of Huntsville
- Injuries:
- Jefford S. Wright, aged 45, of Huntsville
- Ashley S. Wright, aged 38, passengers in Honda Pilot
- 1-year-old passenger in Honda Pilot
- Kathy Rena Barker Garth, aged 62, of Decatur
- Investigation: Conducted by the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency’s Highway Patrol Division
Background Information
The incident highlights the importance of seat belt use, as it has been noted that Walter Stephens III was not wearing one at the time of the crash. Seat belts are a critical safety feature designed to protect passengers in the event of an accident. The ongoing investigation by the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency’s Highway Patrol Division aims to shed more light on the contributing factors to this tragic event.
Conclusion
As the community mourns the loss of Walter Stephens III, it serves as a reminder for all drivers and passengers to adhere to safety protocols, such as wearing seat belts, to prevent future tragedies on the road.
FAQ
- Where did the crash occur?
- A multi-car crash occurred on U.S. 72 near the 110 mile marker.
- What time did the crash happen?
- The incident took place just before 9 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 13.
- Who died in the crash?
- Walter Stephens III, a 64-year-old Huntsville resident, died as a result of the crash.
- What was Walter Stephens driving?
- Stephens was driving a 2007 Hyundai Tiburon at the time of the incident.
- What caused the injuries?
- Stephens’ vehicle collided head-on with a 2020 Honda Pilot and then with a 2011 Toyota Highlander.
- Was Walter Stephens wearing a seat belt?
- Walter Stephens III was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash.
- When did Walter Stephens die?
- Walter Stephens died from his injuries on Thursday, Oct. 2.
- Who else was injured?
- Jefford S. Wright, Ashley S. Wright, a 1-year-old passenger in the Honda Pilot, and Kathy Rena Barker Garth also sustained injuries.
- Who is investigating the accident?
- The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency’s Highway Patrol Division is investigating the incident.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Crash Date | September 13 |
| Time of Incident | Just before 9 p.m. |
| Location | U.S. 72, near the 110 mile marker |
| Fatalities | 1 (Walter Stephens III) |
| Injured | 4 (including 2 children) |
| Investigating Agency | Alabama Law Enforcement Agency’s Highway Patrol Division |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Additional Resources
- ABC3340: Multi-Car Crash Kills Huntsville Man
- Wikipedia: Huntsville, Alabama
- WAFF: Huntsville Man Dies from Injuries
- Google Search: Huntsville Car Crash
- WAAYTV: Killed in Huntsville Multi-Vehicle Wreck
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Car Accident
- WHNT: Multi-Vehicle Crash Along I-565
- Google News: Multi-Car Crash Huntsville
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.
