ALEA: Multi-vehicle crash near Ashville claims life of Anniston man

Published 4:29 pm Wednesday, February 21, 2024

A multi-vehicle crash that occurred at approximately 9:15 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 20, has claimed the life of an Anniston man, according to Alabama Law Enforcement Agency.

Ryan C. Harrison, 36, was killed when the 2014 Kia Optima that he was driving collided head-on with a 2022 Toyota Corolla driven by Derramus C. Bothwell, 29, of Steele. After the initial impact, the Kia was then struck by a 2020 Freightliner tractor-trailer driven by Ronald Edouard, 39, of Davenport, Fla. As a result of the impact, the Kia left the roadway and overturned. The Freightliner also left the roadway and struck a tree. The crash left debris in the roadway, which was struck by a 2018 Volvo tractor-trailer driven by Tajuanna S. Lewis, 42, of Calera.

According to ALEA, Harrison was not using a seat belt at the time of crash and was pronounced dead at the scene. Bothwell was injured and transported by helicopter to the University of Alabama at Birmingham Hospital for treatment. Edouard was also injured and transported to UAB Hospital for treatment.

The crash occurred on Interstate 59 near the 169 mile marker, approximately four miles north of Ashville, in St. Clair County. Nothing further is available as troopers with the ALEA’s Highway Patrol Division continue to investigate.