DECATUR, Ala. — A quiet Saturday morning in Decatur was shattered by a devastating crash that claimed the life of a 40-year-old Athens man and left two others injured. The collision, which occurred at the intersection of Beltline Road SW and Carridale Street SW, has left the community grappling with grief and questions about what led to the tragedy.
At approximately 6:24 a.m., Morgan County 911 received a call reporting a severe accident. Decatur Police, along with firefighters and EMS crews, rushed to the scene, where they found two vehicles entangled in the aftermath of a violent impact. The scene was chaotic, with emergency responders working swiftly to assess the situation and provide aid.
Tavoras Antwan Coffman, a 40-year-old resident of Athens, was identified as the driver of one of the vehicles. Tragically, he was pronounced dead at the scene by Morgan County Coroner Jeff Chunn. The loss of Coffman, a member of the local community, has sent ripples of sorrow through those who knew him. A passenger in Coffman’s vehicle sustained serious injuries and was airlifted to Huntsville Hospital for urgent medical treatment. The passenger’s condition remains undisclosed, adding to the uncertainty surrounding the incident.
The driver of the second vehicle was also injured and transported to Huntsville Hospital by ambulance. While the extent of their injuries has not been detailed, authorities have confirmed that they are receiving care. The collision’s impact was profound, with both vehicles sustaining significant damage, a stark reminder of the fragility of life on the road.
Decatur Police are diligently investigating the cause of the crash, piecing together evidence to understand the sequence of events that led to this heartbreaking outcome. No further details have been released as the investigation continues, but the community awaits answers, hoping for clarity and closure.
The intersection of Beltline Road SW and Carridale Street SW, typically a bustling thoroughfare, now stands as a somber marker of loss. As Decatur mourns, the tragedy serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of road safety and the profound impact of a single moment.