On Monday afternoon, a peaceful stretch of rural roadway in Pickens County claimed the life of a longtime Reform resident. At about 12:45 p.m., 78-year-old Edith M. Gault was driving her 2001 Chevrolet Silverado along Ollie Bonner Road, roughly five miles north of Reform, when the truck veered off the surface, struck an embankment, and flipped over.
Responders arrived swiftly, but tragically, Gault was declared dead at the scene. She was alone in the vehicle when it crashed, and no other parties were involved.
At this stage, investigators from the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency’s Highway Patrol Division are still trying to piece together what led to the deadly accident. They haven’t released a cause yet. Possibilities under review include roadway conditions, mechanical failure, or medical issues that might have affected Gault behind the wheel.
Local residents say Ollie Bonner Road is deceptively calm — but with curves and occasional traffic, it’s seen its share of close calls in the past. Some speculate that visibility, speed, or the embankment’s angle might have played a role in turning one wrong turn into a tragedy.
News outlets continue to monitor ALEA’s progress as troopers examine skid marks, vehicle condition, and road surface features. No formal findings have yet been made public.
In Reform, family, neighbors, and longtime friends are mourning. Many recall Gault as gentle and supportive, someone invested in her community. Her sudden passing has left a hole in the hearts of those who knew her. (Original reporting from local authorities confirms her identity and the crash details you shared.)
More information may emerge as the investigation proceeds. If new findings are released, we’ll update the story.