Dothan, AL – Three Children Killed in Fatal Hwy 79 Crash

Dothan, AL (April 11, 2025) – A fatal accident involving two cars occurred Thursday afternoon, April 10, in Dothan, close to the Alabama-Florida border. The crash resulted in the deaths of three children and triggered a large-scale emergency response. The incident happened around 2:00 p.m. on Highway 79.

According to the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP), a Ford pickup truck driven by a 23-year-old man from Alabama struck the back of an SUV that was heading in the same direction. The SUV, operated by a 24-year-old woman from Georgia, veered off the roadway along with the truck, hit an embankment, collided with a tree, and rolled over onto its left side.

Emergency teams—including firefighters, medics, and law enforcement—arrived swiftly at the crash site. They worked to free the victims from the wreckage, direct traffic, and administer medical care. Two children inside the SUV were declared dead at the scene. A third child, who sustained critical injuries, was taken by ambulance to Bay Medical Hospital, where they later died.

Three other individuals were also in the SUV at the time of the collision—a fourth child and two adults, including the driver from Georgia. Their conditions have not yet been made public. The pickup truck driver from Alabama sustained minor injuries and was treated at the scene.

The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA), in coordination with authorities from Florida, is currently investigating the crash. At this time, no charges have been filed.

Our thoughts and deepest sympathies go out to the families impacted by this terrible loss.

Fatal Car Accidents in Dothan 

Fatal traffic accidents continue to be a serious issue in Dothan, Alabama. In recent years, the city has seen a steady number of deadly crashes involving multiple vehicles and, increasingly, vulnerable road users like children and pedestrians. Alabama as a whole has one of the highest traffic fatality rates in the country, with a large portion of those deaths involving drivers under 25—raising concerns about inexperience and risky behavior behind the wheel.

When fatal crashes occur, families often have the option to pursue a wrongful death claim. In Alabama, only the personal representative of the deceased’s estate can file such a lawsuit, and damages awarded are strictly punitive—meant to punish the responsible party rather than compensate the family for emotional or financial loss. Because the legal process is complex and time-sensitive, especially when government entities are involved, timely legal guidance is crucial for families seeking justice.

If you have lost a loved one in a fatal car accident locally, it’s important to have a skilled Dothan wrongful death attorney on your side. At Cockrell, Cockrell, Ritchey & Ritchey, we work tirelessly to secure favorable outcomes for our clients in car accident cases.

Call (205) 349-2009 to speak with one of our attorneys at Cockrell, Cockrell, Ritchey & Ritchey about your loved one's tragic Dothan car accident. We’ll provide the legal support you need and ensure that your rights are fully protected throughout the legal process.

Notes: Our writers relied on secondary sources to create this article. Our staff has not independently verified all of the circumstances surrounding this accident; therefore, if you find any incorrect information, please contact Cockrell, Cockrell, Ritchey & Ritchey, LLP immediately so that we can update the post to reflect the most accurate information available. The post may be deleted upon request.

Disclaimer: This post's content is not intended to serve as legal or medical advice. The image used in this post was not taken at the described accident scene. This post is not intended as a business solicitation.