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Cleburne County Crash Claims Life of Birmingham Man

Scene of a road accident in Cleburne County with emergency responders

News Summary

A tragic two-vehicle crash on April 30 in Cleburne County, Alabama, has resulted in the death of 38-year-old Demetrius J. McGhee from Birmingham. The collision occurred on Interstate 20, when McGhee’s van collided with a tractor-trailer. Emergency responders pronounced him dead at the scene. The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency is investigating the incident, and traffic was temporarily disrupted on the highway. Community members are mourning the loss and the investigation continues to determine the circumstances of the accident.

Cleburne County, Alabama – Tragic accident claims Birmingham man’s life

A two-vehicle crash on April 30 in Cleburne County, Alabama, has resulted in the death of 38-year-old Demetrius J. McGhee from Birmingham. The incident occurred around 12:55 p.m. on Interstate 20, near Alabama 9, within the Heflin city limits.

McGhee was driving a 2008 Ford Econoline van when his vehicle collided with a 2020 Kenworth tractor-trailer. The tractor-trailer was operated by 55-year-old Michael L. Simpson from Camden. Emergency responders pronounced McGhee dead at the scene of the crash.

The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) is currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the fatal accident. As of the latest updates, there has been no information released regarding any additional injuries that may have occurred as a result of the collision.

Traffic Disruptions

Following the accident, all lanes of eastbound traffic on Interstate 20 were temporarily closed to allow for emergency response and investigation. Traffic flow was significantly affected during this period, but authorities are working to restore normalcy as soon as possible.

Investigative Efforts

The investigation into this tragic accident remains ongoing. ALEA is gathering evidence and seeking information regarding the events leading up to the crash. Further updates are expected as the authorities continue to assess the situation.

Background Context

Traffic accidents on major highways like Interstate 20 can have a profound impact on local communities, often leading to tragic outcomes. This incident marks another reminder of the dangers present on the roadways. The ALEA regularly investigates motor vehicle accidents to determine causes and assess safety measures designed to prevent future incidents.

As this story develops, the focus remains on understanding how and why the crash occurred, ensuring that the necessary measures are taken to promote safer driving practices in the area.

Community members and local officials have expressed their condolences for McGhee’s family during this difficult time. As further details emerge from the ongoing investigation, the implications of this accident will likely resonate throughout the community.

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STAFF HERE BIRMINGHAM WRITER
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.

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