Bessemer, AL, September 22, 2025
News Summary
Bessemer, AL has seen multiple fatalities from recent traffic incidents on Interstate 59/20, raising serious concerns about roadway safety. Notably, a recent crash claimed the life of 72-year-old Robert Cherry Cox, Jr. The accident involved several vehicles at the I-459 interchange. Other recent fatalities include an 80-year-old woman and a 41-year-old woman, with investigations ongoing. As traffic safety becomes increasingly critical, authorities emphasize the need for awareness on the roads.
Bessemer, AL – Multiple fatalities have been reported in recent traffic accidents on Interstate 59/20 in Bessemer, raising concerns for roadway safety in the area. Most recently, a serious accident occurred just after 4:30 a.m. on Wednesday, resulting in the death of 72-year-old Robert Cherry Cox, Jr..
The crash took place at the I-459 interchange at Exit 104 on McAshan Drive in the McCalla area, involving multiple vehicles according to the coroner’s report. Emergency responders arrived at the scene, but Cox was pronounced dead shortly after 5:00 a.m. The westbound lanes of I-59/20 were closed for several hours as authorities conducted their investigation, leading to substantial traffic backups on both I-59/20 and I-459.
The Bessemer Police Department is investigating the incident but has not released any further information about the circumstances surrounding the crash.
In a separate incident just a few days earlier, an 80-year-old woman from Birmingham, Barbara Fuller Wilson, was involved in a single-vehicle crash on September 18, 2025. The accident occurred at 1:00 p.m. at the intersection of Eastern Valley Road and McAdory School Road, in McCalla. Wilson was pronounced dead at UAB Medical West in Bessemer at 1:44 p.m. The Bessemer Police Department is also investigating the circumstances surrounding Wilson’s accident.
User engagement in traffic safety has become more critical than ever, especially in light of the ongoing incidents. In an earlier event on June 13, 2025, 41-year-old Amanda Lee Brulez lost her life in another tragic accident in Bessemer. This accident took place on I-59/20 at mile marker 106 at 10:40 p.m. Reports indicate that Brulez exited her vehicle after an initial crash and was standing outside when she was struck by another vehicle. The Bessemer Police are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding Brulez’s death as well.
The recent increase in fatal traffic accidents in Bessemer underscores the need for heightened awareness and adherence to traffic rules to improve safety on the roadways.
FAQ
- What happened in the recent traffic accidents on Interstate 59/20 in Bessemer? Multiple fatalities have been reported in traffic accidents, including the death of 72-year-old Robert Cherry Cox, Jr., who was killed in a crash involving multiple vehicles.
- When did the accident involving Robert Cherry Cox, Jr. occur? The accident occurred just after 4:30 a.m. on Wednesday at the I-459 interchange at Exit 104 on McAshan Drive.
- What was the outcome for Robert Cherry Cox, Jr.? He was pronounced dead at the scene shortly after 5:00 a.m.
- Were there any other fatal accidents in Bessemer recently? Yes, Barbara Fuller Wilson, an 80-year-old woman from Birmingham, died in a single-vehicle crash on September 18, and Amanda Lee Brulez, a 41-year-old woman, died in a two-vehicle crash on June 13.
- Is there an ongoing investigation for the accidents? Yes, the Bessemer Police Department is investigating the circumstances surrounding all of these crashes.
| Date | Incident | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| September 18, 2025 | Single-Vehicle Crash | Barbara Fuller Wilson, 80, died at Eastern Valley Road and McAdory School Road. | Under Investigation |
| June 13, 2025 | Two-Vehicle Crash | Amanda Lee Brulez, 41, died on I-59/20 at mile marker 106. | Under Investigation |
| Recent Incident | Multi-Vehicle Crash | Robert Cherry Cox, Jr., 72, died at I-459 interchange at Exit 104. | Under Investigation |
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Additional Resources
- WVTM 13 News
- Wikipedia: Traffic Collision
- ABC 33/40 News
- Google Search: Interstate Traffic Safety
- Tide 100.9 News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Road Safety
- WBRC News
- Google News: Traffic Safety
- AL.com
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