Pell City is reeling after a well‑liked dad and friend, 38‑year‑old Robby S. Isbell, died following a single‑vehicle crash on Interstate 20 in Jefferson County Friday morning. Troopers say his truck left the roadway near the Leeds city limits and flipped just before 10 a.m., throwing him from the cab because he wasn’t wearing a seat belt.
State troopers with the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency responded to the scene around the 140‑mile marker on I‑20, a stretch of highway that winds through rolling hills east of Birmingham. Investigators believe Isbell was driving a 2001 Ford F‑150 when the truck left the road, struck a roadside ditch, then overturned.
Isbell was found outside the vehicle and rushed to UAB Hospital in Birmingham with critical injuries. Despite the efforts of medical staff, he died later that day from the trauma he suffered in the crash.
A passenger riding with him was also hurt and taken to UAB for treatment. Officials haven’t released that person’s condition yet, but authorities say the investigation is ongoing as troopers piece together what happened.
Friends and family are devastated by the loss. In a place like Pell City, where folks tend to know one another, news like this ripples fast. Neighbors describe Isbell as warm and generous, someone who made others feel seen and appreciated. His passing leaves a quiet void for those closest to him.
Neighbors say the stretch of I‑20 east of Leeds has long been challenging for drivers, with hills and curves that demand steady attention. It’s part of the road that many locals travel daily, come rain or shine.
People who knew Isbell are holding on to the good moments — backyard barbecues, Friday evening conversations, and laughter that lingered long after the sun went down. They say his life mattered, and they’ll honor his memory through stories and shared memories.
At press time, details about memorial plans or services hadn’t been announced. Family and friends are planning to share those arrangements soon as they continue celebrating the life of a man taken far too soon.
