Tragic Accident Leaves Four Dead, Two Injured in Moulton Wreck

Three children and their mother killed in collision between Chevy Suburban and Ford F-150 truck

Apr. 12, 2026 at 5:03pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An extreme close-up photograph of shattered car window glass reflecting the harsh light of a camera flash, conveying the gritty, investigative nature of the tragic accident scene.The tragic aftermath of a deadly collision exposes the fragility of life and the urgent need for improved road safety measures.Moulton Today

A tragic accident in Moulton, Alabama has left three children and their mother dead after a collision between a Chevy Suburban and a Ford F-150 truck on Saturday. The driver of the F-150 sustained minor injuries and was hospitalized, while the occupants of the Suburban suffered a worse fate. The accident occurred at the intersection of Alabama 157 and Alabama 24 and claimed the lives of 7-year-old Bryleigh G. Pledger, 10-year-old Bentley O. Pledger, 13-year-old Bryant Ballew, and their 33-year-old mother Ashley Haywood.

Why it matters

This devastating accident has shaken the Moulton community and raised concerns about road safety and the need for improved infrastructure and traffic management in the area. The loss of life, especially of young children, is a tragic event that underscores the importance of addressing safety issues on Alabama's roads.

The details

The accident occurred at 11:25 a.m. on Saturday at the intersection of Alabama 157 and Alabama 24 in Moulton. The Chevy Suburban was T-boned by the Ford F-150 truck, resulting in the deaths of three children and their mother. Bryleigh G. Pledger, 7, died at Children's Hospital in Birmingham, while her brothers Bentley O. Pledger, 10, and Bryant Ballew, 13, died at the scene. Their mother, Ashley Haywood, 33, was being transported to Huntsville Hospital but went into cardiac arrest and died at Parkway Hospital at 12:24 p.m. The driver of the F-150 sustained minor injuries and was hospitalized, while Brynleigh Pledger, Bryleigh's twin, underwent surgery for jaw and diaphragm injuries and is expected to survive.

  • The accident occurred at 11:25 a.m. on Saturday, April 12, 2026.
  • Bryleigh G. Pledger died at Children's Hospital in Birmingham.
  • Bentley O. Pledger and Bryant Ballew died at the scene.
  • Ashley Haywood, the mother, died at Parkway Hospital at 12:24 p.m. on the same day.
  • Brynleigh Pledger, the twin of Bryleigh, underwent surgery and is expected to survive.

The players

Bryleigh G. Pledger

A 7-year-old girl who died at Children's Hospital in Birmingham after the accident.

Bentley O. Pledger

A 10-year-old boy who died at the scene of the accident.

Bryant Ballew

A 13-year-old boy who died at the scene of the accident.

Ashley Haywood

The 33-year-old mother of the three children who died at Parkway Hospital after the accident.

Brynleigh Pledger

The twin sister of Bryleigh Pledger, who underwent surgery for jaw and diaphragm injuries and is expected to survive.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“'Marlee had beautiful red hair. When I saw that little redhead, it was hard,'”

— Scott Norwood, Lawrence County Coroner

What’s next

Authorities are investigating the cause of the accident and will work to determine if any safety improvements are needed at the intersection of Alabama 157 and Alabama 24 to prevent similar tragedies in the future.

The takeaway

This devastating accident has left the Moulton community in mourning and highlights the urgent need for improved road safety measures to protect drivers and pedestrians. The loss of three young lives and their mother is a tragic reminder of the importance of addressing infrastructure and traffic management issues to prevent such devastating accidents from occurring.