A 35-year-old Autaugaville woman was killed and two young children were injured in a tragic single-vehicle crash early Saturday morning in Autauga County, according to the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA).
The crash occurred at approximately 2:32 a.m. on Saturday, July 18, along Alabama Highway 14 near the 148-mile marker, about two miles west of Prattville.
According to ALEA, Kristi A. Matthews, 35, was driving a 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee when the vehicle left the roadway, struck a culvert, became airborne, and then landed in a ditch.
Investigators said Matthews was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash. She was ejected from the vehicle and suffered fatal injuries. She was pronounced deceased at the scene by responding authorities.
Two children, ages 7 and 11, were passengers in the Jeep when the crash occurred. Officials said both children were also not wearing seat belts and were ejected during the collision. They sustained injuries and were transported to a nearby hospital for medical treatment. Their current conditions have not been released.
Troopers with ALEA’s Highway Patrol Division continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash. Authorities have not released additional details regarding what caused the vehicle to leave the roadway.
The tragic collision serves as a reminder of the importance of wearing seat belts, which significantly reduce the risk of serious injury or death in motor vehicle crashes.
The investigation remains ongoing, and additional information will be released as it becomes available.
