Franklin County Crash Claims Life of Phil Campbell Man, Leaves Two Injured

A fatal accident on Alabama Highway 243 in Franklin County on Thursday evening left one man dead and two others injured in a tragic head-on collision. According to the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA), the crash occurred around mile marker 11 and involved two vehicles: a 1992 Ford F-150 and a 2022 Dodge Ram 2500.

The incident unfolded when the Ford F-150, driven by 68-year-old Kenny R. Petty of Phil Campbell, collided head-on with a Dodge Ram driven by 63-year-old Larry Davis of Pike Road. ALEA reports that after the initial impact, Petty’s truck veered off the road, flipped, and subsequently struck a tree. Petty, who was not wearing a seatbelt, was partially ejected from the vehicle and was pronounced dead at the scene.

Davis’s Dodge Ram also left the roadway following the collision, hitting a tree. Both Davis and his passenger, 57-year-old Ronald K. Rollins from Montgomery, sustained injuries. Emergency responders transported both men to Russellville Hospital, where they are receiving medical treatment. The extent of their injuries has not been disclosed, though their conditions were reported as stable.

The crash has prompted a thorough investigation by ALEA, which aims to uncover additional details and factors contributing to the incident. Authorities are examining whether speed, visibility, or other variables may have played a role in the collision on the busy rural highway.

This accident has raised awareness of the critical importance of seat belt use and other safety precautions while driving. ALEA officials noted that, while not all accidents are survivable, the use of seat belts can significantly reduce the risk of ejection and related fatalities. The agency continues to advocate for all motorists to practice defensive driving and ensure that safety measures are followed at all times.

The Franklin County community is mourning the sudden loss of Petty, who was a longtime resident of Phil Campbell. His untimely passing highlights the ongoing risks of highway travel and the impact such tragedies can have on families and communities.