Tragic Accident on Route 12 in Hamilton Claims Life

Emergency vehicles on Route 12 after an accident

Hamilton, October 21, 2025

News Summary

A two-car accident on Route 12 in Hamilton ended in tragedy when a 70-year-old woman, Laurie Jones, succumbed to her injuries after a collision on October 19. The crash involved a Nissan Rogue and a Chevrolet Silverado, prompting extensive investigations by the Madison County Sheriff’s Office. The community is deeply affected and officials urge witnesses to come forward.

Hamilton

A two-car accident on Route 12 in Hamilton resulted in the death of a 70-year-old woman on Sunday, October 19. The incident was reported to the Madison County Sheriff’s Office shortly before 5 p.m. and took place near the intersection of Route 12 and Tackabury Road.

18-year-old Austin Thurlow from Cheektowaga was driving a 2018 Nissan Rogue east on Tackabury Road when he attempted to turn onto Route 12. Thurlow’s vehicle turned directly into the path of a 2023 Chevrolet Silverado 3500, which was towing a horse trailer and was being driven by 34-year-old Julia Dillon of Hamilton, who was heading southbound on Route 12. The Silverado struck Thurlow’s vehicle due to the turn.

Laurie Jones, a passenger in Thurlow’s vehicle, sustained severe injuries from the collision and was transported to Community General Hospital in Hamilton for treatment. Despite medical efforts, Laurie Jones died from her injuries at the hospital.

The accident prompted officials to shut down Route 12 between Excell Road and Tackabury Road for several hours. The area was secured while deputies gathered evidence and reconstructed the accident scene. The Madison County Sheriff’s Office is currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the collision. They are appealing for witnesses to contact the Criminal Investigations Division at 315-366-2311.

Multiple agencies, including State Police, Hamilton police, and the Hubbardsville Fire Department, assisted at the scene during the response to the accident.

Investigation and Response

The Madison County Sheriff’s Office is thorough in its investigation. As part of this process, they gather evidence and analyze the circumstances leading up to the accident. The sheriff’s office encourages anyone who may have witnessed the incident to come forward to provide additional insights or details that could aid in the investigation.

Impact on the Community

The tragic loss of Laurie Jones has resonated within the local community, highlighting the need for road safety awareness. With ongoing investigations, local authorities aim to determine if any changes need to be implemented to prevent similar accidents in the future.

Background

Traffic accidents, particularly those involving serious injuries and fatalities, are a serious concern across both state and national levels. Efforts to increase roadway safety, particularly at intersections, are ongoing as local, state, and national authorities review data and develop better safety measures to protect all road users.

FAQs

What caused the accident on Route 12 in Hamilton?

The accident occurred when 18-year-old Austin Thurlow attempted to turn onto Route 12 in his 2018 Nissan Rogue, turning into the path of a 2023 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 being driven by 34-year-old Julia Dillon.

Are there any updates on the investigation of the accident?

The Madison County Sheriff’s Office is currently investigating the collision and is appealing for witnesses to contact the Criminal Investigations Division at 315-366-2311.

What happened to the passengers in the vehicles involved?

Laurie Jones, a passenger in Thurlow’s vehicle, sustained severe injuries and was transported to Community General Hospital, where she later died from her injuries.

Were any other agencies involved in the response to the crash?

Yes, multiple agencies assisted at the scene, including State Police, Hamilton police, and the Hubbardsville Fire Department.

How long was Route 12 closed following the accident?

Route 12 was shut down between Excell Road and Tackabury Road for several hours for collision reconstruction.

Key Features of the Accident

Feature Details
Accident Date October 19
Location Route 12 and Tackabury Road, Hamilton
Involved Vehicles 2018 Nissan Rogue, 2023 Chevrolet Silverado 3500
Drivers Austin Thurlow (18), Julia Dillon (34)
Casualty Laurie Jones (70) – died from injuries
Investigation Ongoing by Madison County Sheriff’s Office
Witness Appeal Contact Criminal Investigations Division at 315-366-2311

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Additional Resources

STAFF HERE HUNTSVILLE WRITER
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.

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