Wilcox County, AL (May 8, 2026) – A woman was killed and another person injured following a two-car crash on AL Hwy 28 near Catherine in Wilcox County on Thursday morning.
The collision occurred shortly after 7 a.m. on May 7, approximately two miles north of Catherine. Emergency units responded to the scene after reports of a serious crash involving two vehicles.
Officials identified the deceased victim as 47-year-old Karen Scarbrough of Camden. Authorities said Scarbrough suffered fatal injuries during the collision and was pronounced dead at the scene.
The driver of the second vehicle sustained injuries and was transported to J Paul Jones Hospital in Camden for treatment. Additional details regarding the extent of those injuries have not been released.
The roadway remained active while crews investigated the crash and cleared the damaged vehicles from the scene.
Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the crash, and more details will be released as soon as they become available. Our condolences go out to the family and loved ones of the deceased.
Why Rural Two-Vehicle Crashes Often Result in Severe Injuries
Crashes on rural highways can become especially serious because vehicles often travel at higher speeds and roadways may have fewer protective barriers or divided lanes. Head-on and side-impact collisions on two-lane roads can produce significant forces in a short time.
Investigators typically review vehicle positions, roadway markings, and evidence from the scene to determine how the collision occurred. Curves, visibility, and driver reaction time may also be examined during the investigation process.
Emergency response in rural areas can sometimes require longer travel distances to hospitals or trauma centers. Because of this, roadway access and rapid medical response are key parts of crash scene management after major collisions.
