CULLMAN COUNTY, Ala. — Authorities are investigating a devastating single-vehicle accident that occurred early Sunday morning along U.S. Highway 31, claiming the life of a Vinemont man and leaving another person injured. According to the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA), 27-year-old Michael P. McClellan was killed when the 1999 Ford F-250 pickup truck he was driving veered off the roadway near the 331-mile marker in Cullman County. The crash happened around 12 a.m. and resulted in extensive damage to the vehicle.
Investigators reported that McClellan’s truck left the travel lane for unknown reasons, struck a tree, and then collided with an embankment. The impact was severe enough to eject McClellan from the vehicle. Emergency responders pronounced him deceased at the scene. A 32-year-old female passenger sustained injuries and was transported to UAB Hospital in Birmingham for treatment. Her identity has not been released, and her current condition remains undisclosed.
Troopers confirmed that McClellan was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash, emphasizing once again how seatbelt use can make the difference between life and death. “Seatbelts save lives—it’s a message we cannot stress enough,” ALEA said in a statement, urging drivers and passengers alike to buckle up every time they travel, regardless of distance or destination.
Emergency crews, including Cullman County first responders and ALEA troopers, quickly arrived at the crash site. The roadway was temporarily closed as authorities cleared debris and began their investigation. Officials are still working to determine the cause of the crash, examining potential factors such as speed, mechanical failure, road conditions, or driver fatigue. Residents who live near the area said they heard a loud impact and rushed outside to help before first responders arrived.
Local witnesses described the section of U.S. 31 as particularly hazardous at night, citing sharp curves and limited visibility as frequent causes of concern. One nearby homeowner told reporters that it’s “not the first time” a serious crash has occurred along that stretch, especially during early morning hours when lighting is poor.
ALEA’s Highway Patrol Division continues to lead the investigation and has pledged to release additional details once a full report is complete. The agency extended heartfelt condolences to McClellan’s family and friends, reminding all motorists to stay alert, obey speed limits, and wear seatbelts at all times. The Cullman County Sheriff’s Office and local emergency medical services assisted at the scene.