Cullman County Crash Claims Two Lives; Driver Arrested on Manslaughter Charges

A devastating multi-vehicle crash on Wednesday night in Cullman County left two people dead and resulted in the arrest of a driver involved. The accident occurred at approximately 8:29 p.m. at the intersection of Highway 157 and Highway 31, according to the Cullman Police Department.

The victims, identified as 49-year-olds Jennifer Dawn Hearld and Billy Herbert Wallace, were both riding a 2004 Harley Davidson Electra Glide motorcycle. The collision occurred when a 2019 Ford Escape, driven by 75-year-old Felix Thomas Conley, struck the motorcycle. The impact triggered a chain reaction, involving two additional vehicles in the crash.

Cullman County Coroner Jeremy Kilpatrick reported that Hearld died at the scene. Wallace was transported to a nearby hospital but later succumbed to his injuries. Both victims were residents of Cullman and were well-known within the local community.

Conley, the driver of the Ford Escape, was arrested on two counts of reckless manslaughter following the incident. He was taken into custody and is being held at the Cullman County Detention Center. The Cullman Police Traffic Homicide Unit has launched a comprehensive investigation to determine the precise events that led to the fatal collision.

The crash has deeply impacted the community, raising concerns about traffic safety at the busy intersection of Highway 157 and Highway 31. While the exact circumstances of Conley’s actions remain under investigation, reckless driving is believed to have played a significant role.

As the investigation unfolds, authorities are urging witnesses or anyone with information about the crash to come forward. The tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of reckless driving and the importance of vigilance on the roads.

The loss of Jennifer Dawn Hearld and Billy Herbert Wallace has left their families and the Cullman community in mourning. Officials continue to work toward providing answers and accountability as part of their efforts to ensure justice for the victims and their loved ones.