A devastating crash on Tuesday claimed the lives of two Alabamians, leaving behind grieving families, communities, and colleagues. The wreck occurred at 11:51 a.m. at the intersection of Highway 43 and South Industrial Park Drive in Thomasville when a loaded 18-wheeler collided with four vehicles stopped at a red light.
Killed in the accident were 53-year-old Woodie Beck III of Camden and 37-year-old Ashley McDonald of Coffeeville. Both were pronounced dead at the scene. Others involved in the crash were transported to a nearby hospital with injuries not believed to be life-threatening.
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Beck was a respected coach and physical education teacher at Wilcox Academy, where he served as head softball coach and assistant football coach. Known throughout the school community and beyond, he was deeply involved in shaping the lives of his students and athletes.
Ashley McDonald, also lost in the crash, was remembered for her presence and connections in her own community of Coffeeville. Her loss adds to the tragedy felt across multiple towns in the state.
One of the most personal tributes came from Rick Karle, a well-known Alabama media personality who typically uses his Facebook page, Rick Karle’s Good News, to spotlight uplifting stories and acts of kindness. However, in this case, he shared the sorrowful news at the request of grieving friends and community members.
“I’ve had a number of our Facebook friends reach out to me and ask that I tell y’all about 2 beautiful people who were killed yesterday in a terrible wreck in Clarke County, Alabama,” Karle wrote. “While this is anything but good news, the families of Woodie Beck III and Ashley McDonald can use our support.”
Karle also offered a moving description of Beck’s character and legacy, noting that he “loved to hunt and fish – he loved to cut grass and he loved his boys.” According to Karle’s post, Beck was a man of faith who often took time to share what God had done in his life.
The post recognized Beck’s wife, Tiffany, who manages The Pecan, a popular gourmet restaurant in Camden, and their sons Joseph, J.P., Slade, and Carson. Karle urged readers to extend their condolences to the Beck and McDonald families.
Thomasville Mayor Sheldon Day, who also responded to the crash as a longtime firefighter, described the emotional weight the incident placed on first responders.
“This is one of the worst accidents we have ever worked in the City of Thomasville during my career,” he said. “Each of our first responders needs your prayers. They are on the front line and did a tremendously professional job. However, during the process of working on an accident like this, we see things you cannot unsee. This accident will forever be etched in their minds.”
Sherri Blevins is a writer for Mountain Valley News and a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You may contact her at [email protected].
