PINSON, Alabama — Matthew Wade Brasher, a 48‑year‑old man from Trussville, died Thursday afternoon after a multi‑vehicle crash on one of Jefferson County’s busy commuter roads. The Jefferson County Coroner’s Office confirmed Brasher, who was driving alone, suffered fatal injuries in the collision that happened around 3 p.m. on Feb. 5 in the 6700 block of Deerfoot Parkway.
Emergency crews rushed to the scene on Deerfoot Parkway, a major thoroughfare that drivers use daily to get between Pinson, Clay and Trussville. Witnesses said traffic came to a halt as responders worked to help everyone and clear wreckage, and delays stretched for miles in the late afternoon hours. Brasher was taken by ambulance to UAB Hospital Main in Birmingham. He was later pronounced dead at about 3:43 p.m. from the injuries he suffered in the crash.
Officials have not released the exact number of vehicles involved or what they believe caused the crash. The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office is investigating, collecting statements from drivers and examining the positions of the cars and conditions of the road. That investigation is expected to take time as law enforcement pieces together the moments leading up to the wreck.
People who drive Deerfoot Parkway know how crowded it can be, especially in the afternoon, and this collision was a stark reminder of how quickly travel can turn tragic. The roadway was partially shut down for hours as crews worked the scene and urged drivers to find alternate routes.
Brasher’s family was notified by the coroner’s office before his name was released publicly. At this time, no charges or citations have been announced, and authorities have not identified other injuries. Law enforcement is asking anyone who may have seen the crash or has video to contact them to help with the investigation.
Friends and neighbors described Brasher as a quiet man who loved his community and family. Tributes have begun appearing on social media as word spreads about the loss, with many expressing sorrow over the sudden and senseless end to a life in its prime. Community members say they hope this tragedy reminds everyone how precious each trip really is.
As investigators continue their work, local leaders are emphasizing the importance of safe driving habits — from watching your speed to staying alert and aware of others on the road. Deerfoot Parkway remains one of the area’s key commuting routes, and even small mistakes there can have devastating consequences.
