Chilton County, AL (July 23, 2026) – Three people lost their lives, and another driver was injured following a head-on collision involving three vehicles on I-65 in Chilton County. The deadly wreck took place at about 11:03 a.m. on Monday, July 20.
According to the initial report, a GMC Envoy driven by 65-year-old Valerie J. Granville of Montgomery crossed the median and struck a GMC Sierra traveling in the opposite direction. Granville was pronounced dead at the roadside.
Two passengers riding in the Envoy, identified as 69-year-old Willie J. Gholston and 39-year-old Vensen E. Granville, both of Montgomery, also died at the scene. The Sierra’s driver, 47-year-old Robert Eaton Jr. of Meridianville, was hurt and taken to a Montgomery-area hospital for treatment.
Debris from the first vehicle contact also struck a third vehicle, causing damage. The cause of the crash remains under review, and more information is expected as investigators continue their work.
Our heartfelt condolences are with the families and friends mourning those who lost their lives.
Why Do Cross-Median Crashes Usually Result in Severe Injuries?
Cross-median roadway collisions are among the most serious types of traffic events because they frequently involve vehicles traveling in opposite directions at highway speeds. The combined force created when two vehicles meet head-on can greatly increase the likelihood of life-threatening injuries and extensive vehicle damage. Factors that may contribute to these crashes include driver medical emergencies, loss of vehicle control, distraction, impaired driving, or hazardous road conditions.
Safety features such as median barriers are designed to reduce the chance of vehicles crossing into oncoming lanes, but not every stretch of highway includes these protections. Investigators typically examine roadway evidence, vehicle damage, witness accounts, and other available information to determine how a cross-median collision occurred.
