(Update) Troopers awaiting test results in fatal wreck
Published 2:00 pm Tuesday, May 9, 2017
- Under Investigation
Alabama State Troopers are awaiting test results to determine what role alcohol may have played in a wreck Sunday that killed a 15-year-old Cullman High School student and injured two others.
Curtis James Wilson died in the three-vehicle wreck that also hurt his mother, Ashley Wilson, 43, who was driving and a second driver, Bradford Meeks, 27, of Cullman.
A preliminary investigation indicates alcohol may have been a factor in the wreck, but troopers aren’t elaborating further until they receive lab results from biological samples taken from the drivers involved, said Trooper Curtis Summerville, public information officer, Tuesday.
“It’s still under investigation, and we won’t know anything until we get the lab results back,” Summerville said. “If an arrest is made, we’ll let the public know. Until then, there’s nothing else we can say because it’s still under investigation.”
During a traffic fatality investigation, authorities obtain samples, typically blood, from drivers to determine what, if any, drugs or alcohol were in their system at the time of the crash. The presence of drugs and/or alcohol could result in criminal charges, including reckless homicide.
The wreck occurred around 6 p.m. Sunday on County Road 222 in front of Van’s Sporting Goods.
Troopers said Ashley Wilson and her son, Curtis, were wearing seat belts, but Meeks was not. A third driver was not injured.
Ashley Wilson was treated and released from Cullman Regional Sunday, according to a hospital spokeswoman. Meeks was listed in serious condition at UAB Hospital Monday evening, according to a hospital spokesman.
Curtis Wilson was listed as pitcher on the JV baseball roster. JV baseball coach Patrick Britton tweeted:
Will always be one of my favorites! He always knew how to make me smile! Love this dude! He was EVERYONES biggest fan! #CW20 pic.twitter.com/HP1Blw4BnT
— Patrick Britton (@patrickryan1127) May 8, 2017
Cullman High School Principal Kim Hall posted on Facebook:
There’s been an outpouring of condolences from fellow players, students and parents via social media and otherwise.
“The Cullman Bearcat family has a very heavy heart today,” Cullman City Schools Superintendent Susan Patterson said in a prepared statement. “A tragic accident took the life of student and Bearcat baseball player Curtis Wilson. It is impossible to understand when a life is taken at such a young age and words can’t express what we all feel. The loss of this young man will be felt throughout the Cullman community for years to come. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family.”
— Cullman Baseball (@CullmanBaseball) May 8, 2017
Senior second-baseman Carter Bowen tweeted:
I love you to death kid. Wish I could hear “CARTERRRRRRR” again. I wish I could get one more hug. One of the biggest joys in my life. #CW20
— Carter Bowen (@carterbowen_) May 8, 2017
The wreck shut down CR-222 following the wreck that happened nearby Van’s Sporting Goods just outside of Good Hope.
Grief counselors will be at CHS to support students. An investigation is underway into the wreck.
The Curt Wilson Memorial Fund has been established Traditions Bank of Cullman to provide support for his family.
Fly high curt😞 https://t.co/0XRbHdNqjW
— Sam Baker (@Sam_Baker_24) May 8, 2017
Check back for details.
