Cherokee County, Alabama, January 4, 2026
A head-on collision in Cherokee County, Alabama, on New Year’s Day led to the tragic deaths of two individuals. Authorities confirmed that Jasmine D. Agan and Thomas D. Agan were killed, while a 16-year-old juvenile driver sustained serious injuries. The incident highlighted serious concerns about road safety and seat belt use in Alabama, as investigations by the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency continue into the circumstances surrounding the crash.
Cherokee County, Alabama – A tragic head-on collision on New Year’s Day in Cherokee County, Alabama, resulted in the deaths of two individuals, with another person sustaining injuries. The incident, which occurred on Alabama Highway 9, was reported on Friday, January 2, 2026, highlighting a somber start to the new year for the community.
Details of the Fatal Collision
The fatal crash took place around 5:43 p.m. on New Year’s Day, approximately two miles north of Centre, near the 263-mile marker on Alabama Highway 9. Authorities identified the deceased as 26-year-old Jasmine D. Agan and 25-year-old Thomas D. Agan. Jasmine D. Agan, from Cedar Bluff, was driving a 2020 Chevrolet Traverse when it collided head-on with a 2003 Ford Explorer. Thomas D. Agan, from Temple, Georgia, was a passenger in the Chevrolet Traverse. Regrettably, neither of the deceased was reportedly wearing a seat belt at the time of the collision.
The Ford Explorer was driven by a 16-year-old juvenile, also from Cedar Bluff, who sustained injuries in the crash. The teenager was initially transported to a local hospital before being airlifted to the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) for further medical attention.
Ongoing Investigation and Emergency Response
Following the severe impact, emergency services, including law enforcement and paramedics, rapidly responded to the scene to provide aid and manage the aftermath of the collision. The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) is leading the ongoing investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash. Such investigations typically involve examining vehicle mechanics, driver behavior, road conditions, and environmental factors to determine the exact cause of the incident.
Traffic on Alabama Highway 9 experienced significant disruptions as first responders worked to clear the scene and investigators gathered crucial evidence. The closure of sections of the highway is a standard procedure in major accident investigations to ensure the safety of personnel and to preserve the integrity of the crash site. The full details and official findings of the investigation are pending as authorities continue their thorough review.
Broader Context of Road Safety in Alabama
This tragic incident underscores the critical importance of road safety, particularly concerning the use of seat belts. State-level data from a 2025 report by TRIP, a national transportation research nonprofit, indicated that in the decade from 2014 to 2024, Alabama experienced a 19 percent increase in traffic fatalities. While the number of traffic fatalities and the fatality rate per 100 million vehicle miles of travel (VMT) in Alabama decreased by one percent from 2021 to 2024, the overall trend over the past decade remains concerning.
Nationwide, U.S. traffic fatalities saw a decline from 2022 through 2024, following a sharp increase during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, traffic fatalities in 2024 remained significantly higher than a decade prior. The same report highlighted that the number of passenger vehicle occupants not wearing seatbelts who were killed increased four percent from 2019 to 2024. Seat belt usage remains a crucial factor in mitigating the severity of injuries and fatalities in vehicle crashes. Alabama’s law requires all passengers in a vehicle to wear a seat belt, a measure designed to enhance safety for all road users. Statistics have consistently shown that seat belts save lives, with a significant percentage of fatalities occurring when restraints are not used.
Furthermore, speeding-related traffic crashes saw a 16 percent increase from 2019 to 2024 nationwide, accounting for 28 percent of all U.S. traffic fatalities in 2024. Motorcyclists, despite accounting for only 0.6 percent of annual VMT in the U.S. in 2023, represented 16 percent of all traffic fatalities in 2024, highlighting their vulnerability on the roads.
The Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) continuously works to improve road safety through engineering techniques, routine maintenance, and managing funding for safety initiatives. Drivers are consistently urged to adhere to speed limits, drive sober, avoid distracted driving, and share the road responsibly with all users, including motorcyclists, bicyclists, and pedestrians.
As the Cherokee County community mourns the loss of two lives, this event serves as a stark reminder for all motorists to exercise extreme caution and prioritize safety on Alabama’s roadways, especially during holiday periods and adverse conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- What happened in Cherokee County, Alabama?
- A tragic head-on collision occurred on New Year’s Day, resulting in two fatalities and one injury.
- When did the collision take place?
- The crash occurred on New Year’s Day, January 1, 2026, around 5:43 p.m., and was reported on Friday, January 2, 2026.
- Who were the victims of the fatal crash?
- Jasmine D. Agan (26) of Cedar Bluff and Thomas D. Agan (25) of Temple, Georgia, were fatally injured.
- Were seat belts used by the victims?
- Authorities reported that neither Jasmine D. Agan nor Thomas D. Agan was wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash.
- Who was injured in the incident?
- A 16-year-old juvenile driver from Cedar Bluff sustained injuries and was airlifted to UAB.
- What is the current status of the investigation?
- The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) is conducting an ongoing investigation into the circumstances of the collision.
- How have traffic fatalities changed in Alabama over the past decade?
- From 2014 to 2024, Alabama experienced a 19 percent increase in traffic fatalities.
- What is the nationwide trend for seatbelt usage in fatal crashes?
- The number of passenger vehicle occupants not wearing seatbelts who were killed increased four percent from 2019 to 2024.
Key Features of the Cherokee County Collision
| Feature | Detail | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Alabama Highway 9, near Centre, Cherokee County | State-level |
| Date of Incident | January 1, 2026, around 5:43 p.m. | Local |
| Reported Date | January 2, 2026 | Local |
| Type of Collision | Head-on collision | Local |
| Fatalities | 2 (Jasmine D. Agan, 26; Thomas D. Agan, 25) | Local |
| Injuries | 1 (16-year-old juvenile driver) | Local |
| Vehicles Involved | 2020 Chevrolet Traverse, 2003 Ford Explorer | Local |
| Seat Belt Use (Fatalities) | Not worn by deceased | Local |
| Investigation Status | Ongoing by Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) | State-level |
| Alabama Traffic Fatalities (2014-2024) | Up 19% | State-level |
| Nationwide Seat Belt Fatalities (2019-2024) | Increased 4% | Nationwide |
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Author: STAFF HERE BIRMINGHAM WRITER
The BIRMINGHAM STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBirmingham.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Birmingham, Jefferson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Sidewalk Film Festival, Sloss Music & Arts Festival, Magic City Classic, and civil rights commemorations. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Birmingham Business Alliance and the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as UAB Medicine, Regions Bank, and Encompass Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREHuntsville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.
