Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

By Carey Reeder | Managing Editor

The southbound lanes of Interstate 65 were shut down for an extended time in the early morning hours of Jan. 29 as the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) investigated a traffic fatality in Chilton County. After investigations, Chilton County Sheriff John Shearon said investigators have deemed the incident as a suicide that occurred at around 6:02 a.m. near mile marker 225. Chilton County Coroner Aaron Ellison said the victim was a 21-year-old male, and the victim was pronounced dead on the scene.

A press release by the Chilton County Sheriff’s office stated that Chilton County 911 received a call at around 5:50 a.m. from the victim having a mental health crisis. Deputies were immediately dispatched to the location and found the victim deceased in the roadway.

More reports stated the victim called law enforcement in Shelby County earlier in the morning threatening to harm himself. It is believed he drove to Chilton County where he stopped his car, exited and stepped in front of the unsuspecting traffic that hit him. I-65 South was shut down near mile marker 225 in Chilton County and southbound traffic was diverted to Highway 31.

Shearon said all indications point to the incident being intentional, but the investigation by ALEA and CCSO officers is still ongoing.

“The Chilton County Sheriff’s Office extends its deepest condolences to the family and friends of the deceased during this difficult time,” the press release said.