MOBILE, Alabama woke to somber news Tuesday following a fatal crash on one of the city’s busiest roads. Early Monday morning, 21-year-old Carlos Funez died after being struck by a vehicle on Old Shell Road.
Officers were called to the scene near Cosgrove Drive shortly after 3:15 a.m. When they arrived, they found Funez lying in the westbound lane beside his car. His hazard lights were still blinking. He had stepped out of his vehicle for reasons that are still under investigation.
A second vehicle traveling westbound hit him. The other driver stopped and remained at the scene, speaking with police. Funez was pronounced dead before he could be taken to a hospital.
Investigators say it is too early to say what caused the crash or whether speed, visibility, or other factors played a role. They continue to gather evidence and talk with witnesses. No charges have been announced yet.
His family is left to mourn a young life taken far too soon. People who knew Funez remember him as someone with plans and people who cared about him. The community has been left reeling as word of his death spread.
Parts of Old Shell Road were closed for several hours as police worked through the night. Drivers were diverted while officers photographed the scene and collected debris. It was late morning before traffic returned to normal.
The case is still open, and the Mobile Police Department has said more information will be released when it becomes available.
