Columbus Woman Dies in Russell County Car Crash

70-year-old Marie B. Thompson killed in head-on collision on U.S. 80

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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A 70-year-old Columbus woman, Marie B. Thompson, was killed in a head-on car crash in Russell County, Alabama on February 14. Thompson was driving a Nissan Rogue that collided with another SUV on U.S. 80 around 4:15 p.m. She was transported to a hospital in Columbus where she died from her injuries. The other driver was also injured and taken to the hospital for treatment. The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency's Highway Patrol Division is investigating the crash.

Why it matters

Fatal car crashes are a tragic and all-too-common occurrence, especially on rural highways. This incident highlights the importance of road safety, defensive driving, and the need for continued efforts to improve vehicle and infrastructure design to prevent such devastating collisions.

The details

According to authorities, the crash occurred when Thompson's Nissan Rogue collided head-on with another SUV on U.S. 80 in Russell County, approximately 14 miles west of Phenix City. Thompson was transported to a hospital in Columbus where she later died from her injuries. The other driver was also injured and taken to the hospital for treatment. The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency's Highway Patrol Division is investigating the cause of the crash.

  • The crash occurred on February 14, 2026 around 4:15 p.m.

The players

Marie B. Thompson

A 70-year-old woman from Columbus, Georgia who was killed in the car crash.

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The takeaway

This tragic incident underscores the need for continued vigilance and safety improvements on rural highways to prevent such devastating crashes and loss of life. While the details are still under investigation, it serves as a somber reminder of the importance of defensive driving and the fragility of life on the road.