April Ballard and Jesse Southard Remembered After Tragic Early Morning Interstate Crash in Pelham, Alabama
April Ballard, 37, of Leeds, and Jesse Southard, 20, of Birmingham, lost their lives on April 24, 2026, in a devastating early morning crash on Interstate 65 in Pelham.
Authorities reported that the incident occurred around 3 a.m., resulting in a head-on impact between the two vehicles.
Emergency responders reached the scene quickly, but both individuals had already passed away due to the severity of the crash.
Officials closed the northbound lanes of I-65 between the Tank Farm exit and Oak Mountain State Park exit for several hours as crews worked at the scene.
The Shelby County Coroner’s Office confirmed the identities of both individuals and continues to support the ongoing investigation.
Friends and community members in Leeds described Ballard as “warm, familiar, and deeply loved,” expressing how the sudden loss has left many in shock.
Messages of sympathy have poured in online, with one comment reading, “Sending prayers and strength to both families during this heartbreaking time.”
As loved ones grieve, both families are preparing to announce memorial arrangements in the coming days.
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