ALEA troopers investigate deaths across North Alabama over 4th of July weekend

ALABAMA, (WHNT) — 5 people in North Alabama were among 12 who died throughout the state during the 4th of July weekend, ALEA says.

Troopers with the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency say they investigated a total of nine traffic deaths and three drownings across the state over the Fourth of July weekend. ALEA says this is the third year in a row where there were no boating related deaths on Alabama waterways.

The Fourth of July travel period began at 12:01 a.m. Wednesday, July 3 and ended at midnight Sunday, July 7, with AAA predicting a record-breaking travel period this years.

ALEA reported 9 traffic deaths across Alabama, with 4 of those being in North Alabama.

The agency said Justin R. Bradford, was killed when the motorcycle he was driving hit another vehicle in Cullman County on Friday.

Two people in Marshall County, Blake Hicks and Carolyn Thompson, reportedly died on Saturday after a car crash involving Hicks’ motorcycle and Thompsons car , and ALEA said a 17-year-old died in a wreck Jackson County the following day.

One of the three drowning deaths reported was a Morgan County man, Justin Letson. Officials said he drowned at Point Mallard last Thursday.

“Unfortunately, this holiday period ended in tragedy for 12 individuals and their loved ones, which we extend our deepest condolences. For law enforcement, this number is a stark reminder that our job is never done. While I commend all of our officers and the state’s first responders who worked tirelessly over the holiday away from their families, I also pledge to the public that our Agency will continue our mission of protecting and serving by conducting high-visibility enforcement details and providing educational opportunities to combat dangerous driving and boating habits and reduce such tragedies.”

ALEA Secretary Hal Taylor

ALEA added that they investigated 206 traffic crashes, made 48 DUI arrests, issued 2,429 citations for speeding and issued 1,211 citations for seat belts and/or improper child restraints over the five-day travel period as well.

Troopers say ALEA’s Marine Patrol Division investigated 14 boating incidents, made 14 BUI arrests, issued 206 Marine Safety citations and issued 852 Marine Safety Warnings.

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