News Summary
A fatal vehicle accident on U.S. Highway 231 claimed the life of Huntsville Public Works employee Hornbuckle and left two others injured. The crash, which happened near Mountain Valley Road, involved a Chevrolet Tahoe led by Public Works Director McNeese. The incident has struck a chord in the community, drawing sympathy and support for those affected.
Huntsville – A tragic vehicle accident on U.S. Highway 231 has resulted in the death of a Huntsville Public Works employee and injuries to two others. The incident occurred at around 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, near Mountain Valley Road in Marshall County. This heartbreaking accident has sent shockwaves through the local community, eliciting grief and support for those affected.
According to authorities, the crash involved a 2023 Chevrolet Tahoe, which was driven by Huntsville Public Works Director Christopher McNeese, age 56. Hank Ross Hornbuckle, 44, of New Hope, was a passenger in the vehicle. Reports indicate that Hornbuckle was thrown from the Tahoe during the crash and was pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities later confirmed that he was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the incident.
Both McNeese and another passenger, 54-year-old Donnie Dowdy, sustained injuries from the crash and were transported to Huntsville Hospital for treatment. Dowdy is known to be a fellow public works employee, as well as a member of the New Hope City Council. Notably, Hornbuckle was reportedly considering running for a position on the city council himself, reflecting his commitment to serve the community.
The accident scene saw a quick response from multiple fire departments, including Arab, Brindlee Mountain, Ruth, and Union Grove Fire Departments. The efforts of these responders were crucial in managing the aftermath of the crash.
The incident remains under investigation by the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) and Alabama State Troopers, who will be looking into the specifics leading up to the crash. Further details regarding the circumstances surrounding the accident are expected to emerge as the investigation continues.
This incident has sparked a significant outpouring of grief within the community. Local city officials, including Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle, have expressed their condolences to the friends and family of Hornbuckle. He was remembered as a valued member of the community whose loss will be deeply felt. Huntsville City Council President John Meredith also recognized Hornbuckle’s dedication and strong character, highlighting the impact he had on the community.
This accident marks a solemn moment for the city, as it grapples with the loss of an individual who was not only a public servant but also a beloved community member. The support from residents and officials alike showcases the strong sense of community in New Hope and Huntsville as they come together in mourning during this devastating time.
As the investigation unfolds, updates on the incident are likely to be released, and the community continues to rally around those impacted. The tragic events of Tuesday serve as a poignant reminder of the importance of road safety and the heartbreaking consequences when it is compromised.
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Additional Resources
- WAFF: Huntsville City Employees Involved in Marshall County Fatal Wreck
- Wikipedia: Huntsville, Alabama
- AL.com: Huntsville City Employee Killed in Marshall County Wreck
- Google Search: Huntsville city accident 2025
- Rocket City Now: Huntsville City Employees Involved in Marshall County Wreck
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Alabama
- WHNT: Coroner Says One Dead, Two Injured in 231 Wreck
- Google News: Huntsville Public Works employee accident
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.
