Leasi M. Carranza Crookshank Obituary, Death – Three individuals tragically lost their lives in separate car accidents over the weekend in Jefferson County, Alabama, including an 84-year-old woman involved in a fatal head-on collision in Vestavia Hills. The Jefferson County Coroner’s Office identified the victims as Leasi M. Carranza Crookshank, 67-year-old Michael Wayne Wideman, and 41-year-old Antonio Andrea Payne, Jr.
The first accident involving Crookshank occurred around 12:53 p.m. on Sunday, October 20, along U.S. 31 in Vestavia Hills, between Shades Crest Road and Brookwood Baptist Medical Center. According to authorities, Crookshank was leaving the hospital and somehow entered the northbound lane while driving southbound. This wrong-way entry led to a devastating head-on collision. Emergency responders arrived at the scene and transported Crookshank to UAB Hospital, where she was pronounced dead later that evening at 8:15 p.m.
The circumstances of how Crookshank ended up driving in the wrong direction are still under investigation. Vestavia Hills police have not released further information regarding other vehicles or individuals involved in the crash, nor have they provided any details about potential factors such as road conditions or health issues. As police continue to look into the incident, questions remain about what caused Crookshank to veer into oncoming traffic and whether the accident could have been avoided.
In a second fatal crash that also took place on Sunday, Antonio Andrea Payne, Jr., a Birmingham resident, died in a two-vehicle accident. The wreck happened shortly after midnight, at 12:25 a.m., on Finley Avenue at Fourth Place West. The details surrounding this accident are still sparse, as Birmingham police have not disclosed much information about what caused the collision. However, they confirmed that Payne died at the scene of the crash just 16 minutes later, at 12:41 a.m.
The ongoing investigation by the Birmingham Police Department is expected to provide more clarity about the events that led to Payne’s death. As of now, no additional details regarding the other vehicle or individuals involved have been released, leaving Payne’s family and the community waiting for answers. The early-morning timing of the accident has raised concerns about factors such as low visibility, impaired driving, or speeding, but these remain speculative until more evidence emerges from the investigation.
The third fatality from the weekend’s tragic events occurred on Saturday afternoon in Pinson. Michael Wayne Wideman, a 67-year-old resident of Pinson, was involved in another two-vehicle crash. The accident took place at 1:36 p.m. on Marsh Mountain Road, near Shadow Ridge Parkway. Wideman sustained severe injuries in the collision and was transported to UAB Hospital for treatment. Unfortunately, despite medical efforts, Wideman was pronounced dead just over an hour later, at 2:47 p.m.
Details about the crash that claimed Wideman’s life are also limited at this time. The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office is currently handling the investigation. Authorities have not provided any further details about the cause of the wreck, including whether road conditions, vehicle malfunctions, or driver behavior may have played a role. As the investigation proceeds, officials are expected to release more information to the public, providing insight into how the crash occurred and whether anyone will be held responsible for the incident.
The three fatalities over the weekend have left the Jefferson County community in mourning. Car accidents are a leading cause of death in Alabama, and these particular incidents serve as a stark reminder of how quickly lives can be lost on the road. The loss of Crookshank, Wideman, and Payne highlights the need for continued efforts to improve road safety and prevent accidents. Whether through improved driver education, enhanced infrastructure, or stricter enforcement of traffic laws, steps must be taken to reduce the number of fatalities on Alabama’s roads.
In addition to the personal grief faced by the families of the victims, these tragedies also underscore the emotional toll that such accidents have on first responders, medical professionals, and investigators. From the initial response to the scenes of the accidents to the ongoing investigations, numerous individuals are involved in trying to determine what happened and how similar incidents might be prevented in the future.
As the investigations continue, authorities are likely to focus on several key questions. In the case of Crookshank’s wrong-way crash, investigators will look into whether a medical emergency or confusion may have caused her to enter the roadway incorrectly. For both Payne and Wideman, officials will seek to determine whether factors such as speeding, distraction, or impaired driving were involved. In all three cases, the goal will be to uncover the root causes of these deadly accidents in hopes of preventing future tragedies.
The community is encouraged to remain vigilant on the roads and to report any suspicious or dangerous driving behaviors they may witness. Local law enforcement has reminded residents of the importance of following traffic laws, avoiding distractions while driving, and never getting behind the wheel while impaired. With three lives lost in just one weekend, the need for safe driving practices is more urgent than ever.
As the families of Crookshank, Wideman, and Payne grieve their losses, they join the growing number of people affected by fatal car accidents in Jefferson County and beyond. These accidents serve as a sobering reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of safety on the roads.