Hanceville Man Killed in April 1 Crash

Two-vehicle collision claims life of 40-year-old passenger

Apr. 2, 2026 at 8:11pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a cracked and damaged car part, such as a headlight or side mirror, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, conceptually illustrating the aftermath of a serious vehicular accident.The aftermath of a tragic early morning collision serves as a stark reminder of the need for heightened road safety awareness.Hanceville Today

A two-vehicle crash that occurred around 7:15 a.m. on Wednesday, April 1, has resulted in the death of a 40-year-old Hanceville man. According to Alabama Law Enforcement Agency troopers, Marco Cortez-Gomez was a passenger in a 2010 Nissan Altima that collided head-on with a 2024 Honda HR-V Sport driven by a 22-year-old woman from Cedar Bluff. Cortez-Gomez was pronounced dead at the scene, while the driver of the Nissan, Benjamin Cortez-Gomez, and the Honda driver, Katie G. Miller, were both injured and transported to a nearby hospital for treatment.

Why it matters

This tragic accident highlights the importance of road safety and the need for vigilance, especially during early morning commute hours when visibility and driver alertness can be challenging factors. The investigation into the cause of the crash is ongoing.

The details

The crash occurred on Alabama 273 near Cherokee County 48, approximately four miles north of Leesburg, in Cherokee County. Marco Cortez-Gomez, 40, was a passenger in the 2010 Nissan Altima driven by Benjamin Cortez-Gomez, 44, also of Hanceville. The Nissan collided head-on with the 2024 Honda HR-V Sport driven by Katie G. Miller, 22, of Cedar Bluff.

  • The crash occurred at approximately 7:15 a.m. on Wednesday, April 1, 2026.

The players

Marco Cortez-Gomez

A 40-year-old Hanceville man who was killed in the crash as a passenger in the Nissan Altima.

Benjamin Cortez-Gomez

The 44-year-old Hanceville man who was driving the Nissan Altima and was injured in the crash.

Katie G. Miller

A 22-year-old woman from Cedar Bluff who was driving the Honda HR-V Sport and was injured in the crash.

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What’s next

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

The takeaway

This tragic accident serves as a somber reminder of the importance of safe driving practices, especially during early morning hours when visibility and driver alertness can be challenging factors. The investigation into the cause of the crash is ongoing, and authorities will likely work to determine if any contributing factors, such as distracted or impaired driving, played a role.