A Leeds man was killed early Sunday morning, January 24, in a single car accident along Highway 78.

Michael Emery Simpson, 40, of Leeds, was traveling east along Hwy. 78 in a Hyundai Accent when his vehicle left the road, went down an embankment and struck a tree, according to St. Clair County Coronor Dennis Russell.

Officials are not certain when the accident occurred.

The Moody Police Department was notified at approximately 7:30 a.m. after the car was discovered.

Russell said he pronounced Simpson deceased at 8:10 a.m. and that he had died from blunt force trauma.

The accident occurred along Hwy. 78, close to O’Barr Road in Moody. Officials with the Moody Police Department said there were still too many unknown factors to comment on the incident at this time.

Officials said the strong winds and rain that moved through the area in the early morning hours might have played a role in the accident.

Simpson is survived by his wife, Tammy Simpson; and a son, Evan Simpson. A savings account has been set up to benefit the 5-year-old son. Donations can be made at America’s First Credit Union.

Funeral Services were held on Wednesday.