The Shocking Highway 14 Collision Obituary
The peace of a Friday afternoon was shattered at approximately 3:23 p.m. when Millbrook police and fire rescue units were dispatched to a “hot and shocking” two-vehicle wreck. According to witness statements and preliminary police reports, a 2002 Chevrolet S-10 pickup truck was attempting to make a left turn from Highway 14 onto Grandview Road when it was struck by an eastbound 2025 Ford Explorer. Although both traffic signals were reportedly green at the time of the impact, the force of the collision caused life-threatening injuries to those inside the pickup truck.
On Saturday, January 31, 2026, the community received the “heartbreaking” confirmation that the passenger of the Chevrolet S-10—a 66-year-old resident of Elmore—had succumbed to her injuries and was pronounced deceased. To lose a member of the community in such a routine moment is a profound tragedy that has left an “undeniable void” among local residents. The driver of the S-10, a 73-year-old Wetumpka resident, remains hospitalized in critical but stable condition, while the driver of the Ford Explorer was treated for minor injuries.
A Legacy of Community Care and Resilience
While the names of the victims are being withheld pending full family notifications, the impact of this loss is deeply felt across Elmore County. Those who reside near the Highway 14 corridor describe the victims as part of the “meaning and warmth” of the region—neighbors whose presence contributed to the fabric of the Millbrook and Wetumpka areas. This tragedy has highlighted the “quiet and powerful” dedication of the Millbrook Fire Department paramedics and police officers who worked tirelessly at the scene to provide life-saving aid.
The “indescribable void” left by this accident is a somber reminder of the fragility of life. In the wake of the crash, the Millbrook Police Department’s Traffic Homicide Unit has been conducting a thorough investigation. Chief P.K. Johnson expressed the community’s collective sentiment, stating that thoughts and prayers are with the families of those involved. The character of Millbrook is defined by how its citizens support one another in times of “profound sadness,” and the days following this collision have seen neighbors coming together to offer comfort and hope for the recovery of the surviving victim.
Honoring a Life and Seeking Healing for the Injured
As Millbrook gathers to navigate this “heartbreaking loss,” the focus remains on honoring the memory of the Elmore resident taken too soon and supporting the recovery of the Wetumpka driver. The loss of a life in such a sudden accident is a weight the entire community carries, serving as a call for increased vigilance and care on the roadways. As final arrangements are eventually made, the collective heartbeat of the city is focused on the gratitude felt for those who stopped to help and the first responders who served with “unwavering spirit.”
We extend our deepest condolences to the families affected by this tragic event. Their stories did not end at the intersection of Highway 14; they continue through the memories shared by loved ones and the support shown by a community that refuses to let its neighbors walk through grief alone. Rest in peace to the soul lost; your presence was a blessing to Elmore County, and your memory will be cherished by all who knew you.