One Dead, Two Injured in Etowah County Truck Crash

Vehicle left the road, crashed into fence and pond in Gadsden, Alabama

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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A 65-year-old woman was killed and two passengers were injured when the pickup truck she was driving left the road, crashed through a fence, and came to a stop in a pond in Gadsden, Alabama early Sunday morning, according to the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency.

Why it matters

Single-vehicle crashes like this one that result in fatalities are unfortunately common in rural areas, highlighting the need for improved road safety measures and driver education. The incident also raises questions about the specific circumstances that led to the vehicle leaving the roadway.

The details

Kathy Hamilton of Elkmont, Alabama was driving the pickup truck when it left Riverview Drive near Tillison Road, crashed through a fence, and came to a stop submerged in a nearby pond. Hamilton was pronounced dead at the scene, while two passengers in the vehicle were transported to a Gadsden hospital for treatment of their injuries.

  • The crash occurred just before 6 a.m. on Sunday, February 15, 2026.

The players

Kathy Hamilton

A 65-year-old resident of Elkmont, Alabama who was killed in the single-vehicle crash.

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What’s next

The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency's Highway Patrol Division is continuing to investigate the cause of the crash.

The takeaway

This tragic incident underscores the importance of safe driving practices, especially on rural roads, to prevent loss of life and serious injuries in single-vehicle accidents.