Dale County, Ala. — A delivery run turned tragic before sunrise Thursday when an 18‑wheeler driven by Evelio DeJesus plunged off U.S. Highway 231 and into the trees, killing him instantly. DeJesus, 58, was from Sebastian, Florida, and his sudden death has shaken trucking circles and local communities alike.
Around 6 a.m., other drivers heard the crash and called it in. When first responders arrived, they found DeJesus’s tractor‑trailer deep off the shoulder, wedged in a treeline near mile marker 48 on the busy northbound stretch. Local fire departments, including the Marley Mill Volunteer Fire Department and the Dothan Fire Department, were on the scene within minutes.
Early on, there was worry about what the trailer might have been carrying. In this part of Alabama, big rigs haul everything from produce to heavy equipment. Thankfully, officials confirmed there were no hazardous materials involved, easing one layer of concern for emergency crews.
Traffic came to a standstill as tow crews worked to drag the giant truck from the woods. Both northbound lanes of the highway remained closed for hours, leaving commuters and truckers alike to reroute and wait. It was a stark illustration of how one crash can ripple through a community’s morning.
Coroner John Cawley confirmed DeJesus’s identity and said his body was being taken for an autopsy to learn more about what happened. Did he lose control on a curve? Did something fail on the truck? Those questions are still unanswered as troopers dig into the evidence.
Friends and family in Florida learned the news with disbelief. DeJesus was known as a hardworking driver who took pride in his work and loved being on the road. Now they’re left remembering his stories and trying to find peace with sudden loss.
The investigation continues, and more details are expected as authorities review what caused the truck to leave the highway. For now, the stretch of Highway 231 stands quiet, a reminder of the fragility of life on America’s roads.
