Evelio DeJesus, 58, Identified as Victim in Fatal Dale County Truck Crash on U.S. Highway 231 Near Ozark.

DALE COUNTY, Ala. — A tragic single-vehicle crash on a major Wiregrass highway has claimed the life of a Florida truck driver, leaving a family in mourning and prompting an investigation by Alabama state authorities. The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) has identified the victim as 58-year-old Evelio DeJesus, a resident of Sebastian, Florida, who died at the scene early Thursday morning .

The fatal incident occurred along U.S. Highway 231 northbound near the 48-mile marker in Dale County, approximately five miles south of the intersection with Alabama Highway 134, not far from the Ozark and Dothan communities . The crash temporarily shut down both northbound lanes of the heavily traveled arterial route as emergency crews worked to extricate the victim and clear the wreckage.

The Incident: A Morning Commute Turns Deadly

According to Dale County Coroner John Cawley, DeJesus was operating an 18-wheeler when, for reasons still under investigation, the vehicle left the roadway and careened into a dense treeline adjacent to the highway . The crash occurred in the early morning darkness, with dispatchers receiving the initial call around 6:00 a.m. on Thursday, February 12, 2026 .

The Dothan Fire Department was requested for mutual aid at approximately 6:13 a.m., according to Dothan Fire Chief David Hasty . The Marley Mill Volunteer Fire Department, along with Dothan Fire personnel, responded to the scene to assess the situation and determine whether the truck was carrying hazardous materials .

Upon arrival, first responders found the semi-truck had left the northbound lanes and collided forcefully with trees, causing extensive damage to the cab and making access to the driver difficult. The wreckage was severe enough that an excavator was brought in to help remove DeJesus from the cab of the truck, a process that was completed around 10:30 a.m. .

Cargo and Environmental Assessment

One of the immediate concerns for responding agencies was the nature of the cargo being transported. Given the potential for hazardous material spills following a crash of this magnitude, the Dothan Fire Department’s Haz Mat team was dispatched to evaluate the scene .

Authorities confirmed that the truck was carrying iron oxide, a common industrial compound used in pigments, coatings, and metallurgy. Officials stated that the iron oxide spilled around the crash site following the collision but that the material is not considered hazardous, alleviating concerns about environmental contamination or public health risks . Chief Hasty later confirmed that the truck did not contain hazardous material .

Investigation and Autopsy

The precise cause of the crash remains under investigation by troopers with the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency’s Highway Patrol Division . Investigators are examining multiple potential factors, including mechanical failure, driver fatigue, a possible medical emergency, or environmental conditions such as fog or wildlife entering the roadway.

As part of the standard protocol for fatal commercial vehicle accidents, DeJesus’s body has been transported to the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences in Montgomery for a full autopsy . The autopsy will determine whether a medical event, such as a heart attack or stroke, may have caused the truck to leave the roadway prior to impact.

The truck itself will also undergo a thorough mechanical inspection to rule out equipment failure, including brake malfunction, tire blowouts, or steering issues. ALEA’s reconstruction team is expected to analyze skid marks, impact points, and the vehicle’s final resting position to develop a comprehensive picture of the crash dynamics.

Road Closures and Traffic Impact

The severity of the crash necessitated the complete closure of both northbound lanes of U.S. Highway 231 near the 48-mile marker for several hours . The closure created significant traffic disruptions for morning commuters traveling between Dothan, Ozark, and points north.

Motorists were rerouted through adjacent local roads as crews worked to clear the extensive debris field and remove the damaged semi-truck from the treeline. The highway remained closed for an undetermined amount of time while investigators documented the scene and recovery operations proceeded .

The Victim: A Life Remembered

Evelio DeJesus was known in his hometown of Sebastian, Florida, a small city on Florida’s Atlantic coast in Indian River County, as a dedicated family man and a seasoned professional driver . At 58 years old, he brought decades of experience to the cab of his 18-wheeler, navigating the nation’s highways to provide for his family.

News of his sudden passing has reverberated through his community, with friends, family, and colleagues expressing shock and grief. Those who knew DeJesus describe him as a hardworking individual who took pride in his profession and his role as a husband and father. His commitment to the road was matched only by his devotion to those waiting for him at home.

The long-haul trucking industry is one of the most demanding professions in America, requiring drivers to spend weeks away from family, navigate challenging weather conditions, and maintain constant vigilance against the myriad dangers of interstate highways. For the DeJesus family, the knock on the door Thursday morning brought the news that every trucker’s family dreads.

A Highway Under Scrutiny

U.S. Highway 231 is a major north-south artery that runs from the Florida Panhandle through Alabama, connecting Dothan, Ozark, and Troy to Interstate 85 and points beyond. The stretch near the 48-mile marker in Dale County sees significant truck traffic daily, as it serves as a critical corridor for commerce moving between the Gulf Coast and central Alabama.

The road has been the site of previous fatal accidents, highlighting the ongoing challenges of highway safety in rural areas. In August 2025, an 81-year-old Troy man died in a crash involving a tractor-trailer on U.S. 231 near Ariton, approximately 15 miles north of Thursday’s incident . These recurring tragedies underscore the importance of continued investment in road safety infrastructure, including improved signage, lighting, and emergency response capabilities.

Community Response

The Marley Mill Volunteer Fire Department and Dothan Fire Department personnel who responded to the scene faced the difficult task of extricating DeJesus from the wreckage while managing the complexities of a commercial vehicle crash. Their professionalism and dedication were praised by Chief Hasty, who noted that crews responded without hesitation despite the early morning hour and the challenging conditions .

Coroner John Cawley, who has served Dale County for many years, worked diligently to notify DeJesus’s next of kin before releasing the victim’s name to the public, ensuring that family members received the devastating news with dignity and privacy .

The Brotherhood of the Road

In the wake of the crash, tributes have begun to pour in from fellow truck drivers who understand the risks of the profession. Social media posts express condolences to the DeJesus family and reflect on the camaraderie that exists among those who make their living behind the wheel of a big rig.

Truck stops and travel plazas along the I-95 corridor and U.S. 231 have become informal memorial sites, with drivers sharing stories and offering prayers for one of their own who won’t be making it home. The outpouring of support demonstrates the tight-knit nature of the trucking community, which spans state lines and company affiliations.

Looking Ahead

As the investigation continues, the family of Evelio DeJesus must now navigate the difficult process of grief and funeral arrangements. The autopsy results, expected in the coming weeks, may provide answers about the final moments of his life, though for those who loved him, the pain of loss will remain regardless of the cause.

The Dale County community extends its deepest sympathies to the DeJesus family, his friends, and his colleagues in the trucking industry. His death serves as a sobering reminder of the sacrifices made by commercial drivers who keep America’s economy moving, often at great personal risk.

Anyone with information regarding the crash or who may have witnessed the truck’s behavior in the moments leading up to the incident is encouraged to contact the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency. The investigation remains active and ongoing, with further updates expected as forensic analysis is completed.