Lowell Sibley, 70, Dies in Fatal I-65 Crash in Shelby County

Shelby County, AL – A section of Interstate 65 in Shelby County remains closed as authorities investigate a tragic accident that claimed the life of 70-year-old Lowell Sibley on Tuesday. The collision has led to the closure of southbound lanes between exit 242 in Pelham and exit 238 in Alabaster.

The fatal accident occurred around 3 p.m. on Tuesday, approximately one mile north of Alabaster. According to Shelby County Coroner Lina Evans, Sibley, a resident of Oneonta, was driving a Nissan Frontier when he collided with a Chevrolet Blazer. The Blazer was driven by 37-year-old Tristan M. Rose from Maylene. The collision caused Sibley’s truck to roll over several times.

Sibley was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash. He was transported to Shelby Baptist Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead shortly after arrival. The Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) announced that the southbound lanes of I-65, from exit 242 in Pelham to exit 238 in Alabaster, were closed at 11 a.m. on Wednesday for an indefinite period. This closure is to facilitate a thorough investigation by the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency.

Traffic is being redirected to Highway 31, and motorists are advised to seek alternative routes to avoid delays. The ongoing investigation aims to provide clarity on the circumstances surrounding the crash.

This tragic incident marks the second fatality on I-65 in Shelby County within a span of two days. On Sunday, 32-year-old Shahla J. Noori lost her life when her vehicle collided with the rear of an SUV. The recent accidents highlight the critical importance of road safety and the profound impact of traffic collisions.

As the community comes to terms with these losses, local authorities and residents are focusing on raising awareness and encouraging safe driving practices. The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency continues to investigate both incidents to offer closure and answers to the families affected by these tragic events.