Chase Alan Murray, 28, of Hayden, was killed early Friday morning after a devastating series of crashes on Interstate 65 South in Birmingham. He was pronounced dead at the scene after being struck while attempting to cross active traffic lanes following a highway collision.
The incident began just before 5:30 a.m. on April 10 near the 17th Street North exit, according to the Jefferson County Coroner’s Office. Murray was driving one of two vehicles involved in an initial crash on I-65 South near Finley Boulevard.
After the first impact, both vehicles came to rest on opposite shoulders of the interstate. In the confusion that followed, Murray exited his vehicle. He attempted to cross the interstate on foot in order to reach the other driver involved.
While crossing the active lanes, Murray was struck by a vehicle that was not involved in the original crash. Emergency responders arrived quickly, but he was pronounced dead at 6:03 a.m., less than an hour after the initial collision.
Authorities confirmed that the driver who struck him remained at the scene and fully cooperated with investigators. No criminal charges have been filed, as pedestrians are prohibited from being on interstate roadways under traffic law.
The Birmingham Police Department’s Accident Reconstruction Team is handling the investigation into both collisions. Officials are still working to piece together the exact sequence of events that led to the fatal outcome.
Murray’s death has left his family and friends in deep shock. He is being remembered as a kind-hearted and hardworking man who was in the prime of his life. He had previously served in the military.
In a heartbreaking turn, relatives shared that Murray and his wife had just welcomed their second child on Thursday, a day before the tragedy unfolded on the highway.
A Meal Train has since been organized to support the grieving family as they cope with the sudden loss, as the community rallies around them in mourning.
