Birmingham, October 8, 2025
News Summary
Jefferson County faced heartbreak as two separate traffic accidents over the weekend resulted in the deaths of a motorcyclist and a pedestrian. Andrew Amburgey, 34, lost his life in a single-vehicle motorcycle crash in Birmingham, while 48-year-old Gary Harris Jr. was killed in a hit-and-run incident while walking. Both incidents have raised serious concerns about traffic safety in the area and left the local community in mourning.
Jefferson County experienced a tragic weekend as two fatal traffic accidents claimed the lives of two men in separate incidents. A motorcyclist and a pedestrian were both victims in these accidents that have left the community in shock.
The first incident occurred on Saturday night, involving a motorcyclist named Andrew Amburgey. The 34-year-old from Kentucky was involved in a single-vehicle crash in Birmingham. The crash took place on Fifth Avenue North at 48th Street at approximately 10:20 p.m. Amburgey was subsequently transported to UAB Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 11:05 a.m. on Sunday. Birmingham police are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding Amburgey’s motorcycle crash.
In a separate accident on Sunday night, Gary Andrew Harris Jr., a 48-year-old man from Bessemer, was struck and killed while walking in the 2300 block of 19th Street North. This incident occurred just before 11 p.m.. Harris was pronounced dead at the scene at 10:58 p.m. The driver who hit him did not stop, prompting detectives to actively work on identifying the suspect in this hit-and-run case.
Authorities are appealing to the public for assistance in gathering information regarding the pedestrian accident. Anyone with relevant information is encouraged to contact Bessemer police investigators at 205-481-1200 or Crime Stoppers of Metro Alabama at 205-254-7777.
The deaths of Andrew Amburgey and Gary Harris Jr. add to the ongoing concerns about traffic safety in Jefferson County. Traffic-related fatalities have been a persistent issue, leading to increased calls for enhanced safety measures on roads.
Both families and the local community are mourning the loss of these two individuals, highlighting the impact of traffic accidents on society as a whole.
Background Information
Traffic accidents can have severe consequences, affecting not only the victims but also their families and communities. States across the nation are continually working to find solutions to reduce traffic fatalities through public awareness, stricter enforcement of traffic laws, and infrastructure improvements.
Support Resources
In times of tragedy, support resources are available for those coping with the loss of loved ones due to traffic accidents. Local counselors and support groups can provide guidance and assistance.
FAQs
What were the two traffic accidents that occurred over the weekend in Jefferson County?
Two men were killed in separate traffic accidents in Jefferson County over the weekend.
Who was the motorcyclist involved in the fatal crash?
A motorcyclist, identified as Andrew Amburgey, a 34-year-old from Kentucky, died after a single-vehicle crash in Birmingham on Saturday night.
When did the motorcycle crash occur?
The crash occurred on Fifth Avenue North at 48th Street at approximately 10:20 p.m.
What happened to Andrew Amburgey after the crash?
Andrew Amburgey was pronounced dead at UAB Hospital at 11:05 a.m. on Sunday.
Is there an investigation into the motorcycle crash?
Birmingham police are investigating the circumstances surrounding Amburgey’s motorcycle crash.
Who was the pedestrian that was killed?
In a separate incident, Gary Andrew Harris Jr., a 48-year-old man from Bessemer, was struck and killed while walking in the 2300 block of 19th Street North just before 11 p.m. on Sunday.
Where was Harris pronounced dead?
Harris was pronounced dead at the scene at 10:58 p.m.
Did the driver who struck Harris stop?
The driver who struck Harris did not stop, and detectives are actively working to identify the suspect.
How can someone report information about the pedestrian accident?
Authorities are requesting anyone with information about the pedestrian accident to call Bessemer police investigators at 205-481-1200 or Crime Stoppers of Metro Alabama at 205-254-7777.
Key Features Summary
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Accidents | Two separate fatal traffic accidents in Jefferson County over the weekend. |
| Motorcyclist | Andrew Amburgey, 34, Kentucky, died in a single-vehicle crash. |
| Crash Location | Fifth Avenue North at 48th Street, Birmingham, at 10:20 p.m. on Saturday. |
| Investigation | Birmingham police are investigating the circumstances of Amburgey’s crash. |
| Pedestrian | Gary Andrew Harris Jr., 48, Bessemer, struck and killed while walking. |
| Location of Pedestrian Incident | 2300 block of 19th Street North, just before 11 p.m. on Sunday. |
| Driver’s Action | Driver did not stop; detectives are working to identify the suspect. |
| Contact for Tips | Bessemer police: 205-481-1200; Crime Stoppers: 205-254-7777. |
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Additional Resources
- Sweet Law: Child Airlifted After Car Crash on Interstate 55
- Wikipedia: Traffic Collision
- First Alert 4: Jefferson County Accident Shutdown Highway
- Google Search: Jefferson County Traffic Accidents
- KSDK: Crash Closes Interstate 55 in Jefferson County
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Road Safety
- Texoma’s Homepage: Fatal Crash in Jefferson County
- Google News: Fatal Crash Jefferson County
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.
