🚨🚨RIP: Tuscaloosa Tragedy-Fatal Crash Claims 12-Year-Old’s Life, Sparks Safety Concerns

🚨 RIP: Tuscaloosa Tragedy – Fatal Crash Claims 12-Year-Old’s Life, Sparks Safety Concerns

 

Tuscaloosa County, AL (June 8, 2025) – A devastating collision on Sunday afternoon has left a 12‑year‑old from Coker dead and several others injured, reigniting urgent calls for seat belt safety.

 

📍 What Happened

 

Shortly before 5 p.m. on June 8, a Chevrolet Colorado carrying four passengers was struck on Romulus Road near Libby Road—about eight miles west of Northport—by a Ford F‑150 driven by a 16‑year‑old from Northport .

 

⚠️ Unbelted Passenger Dies at Scene

 

The 12‑year‑old passenger was not wearing a seat belt and tragically died at the crash site. The driver of the Chevrolet, 36‑year‑old Zosima M. Andabalo of Coker, as well as passengers aged 14 and 5, suffered injuries and were rushed to DCH Regional Medical Center .

 

👦 Teenage Driver Also Hurt

 

The 16‑year‑old behind the wheel of the Ford was also hospitalized with injuries. State troopers from ALEA are actively investigating the cause of the crash .

 

 

—

 

🚨 Community Outcry: Buckle Up Before You Buckle Down

 

Local leaders and safety advocates are voicing their concerns:

 

“It’s heartbreaking enough that a child died,” said one Tuscaloosa County official. “Knowing they weren’t buckled makes this tragedy even more preventable.”

 

Advocates are urging families to treat seat belt use as a non-negotiable habit—especially for children in back seats.

 

 

 

—

 

📊 The National Picture

 

Seat belts reduce fatal injury risk by over 50% for front-seat occupants, yet failure to use them remains a top contributor to childhood car fatalities nationwide.

 

 

—

 

🔍 What’s Next

 

ALEA troopers continue to investigate. Authorities anticipate a full report—including potential charges and contributing factors—within days.

 

As this community grieves, many are asking: How many more lives must be lost before we buckle up every time?

 

 

—

 

Let me know if you’d like the story adapted for TV scripts, social media, press briefings, or community outreach materials.