Braleigh Busbee,Demopolis High Junior Dies in Car Crash on US 80, Second Teen in Critical Condition
The Demopolis community is in mourning after a tragic car crash on US 80 Tuesday night claimed the life of a local teenager and left another fighting for his life.
Braleigh Busbee, 16, a junior at Demopolis High School, died in the accident that occurred near Faunsdale around 7:15 p.m. The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) reported a serious two-vehicle collision that forced the highway to close until early Wednesday morning.
A second teen, Zackery Tucker, was severely injured in the crash. According to a social media post from a family friend, Tucker was airlifted to UAB Hospital in Birmingham and has undergone multiple surgeries. The friend described Busbee and Tucker as “high school sweethearts.”
Demopolis High School issued a heartfelt statement, expressing being “heartbroken by the devastating loss” and extending deepest condolences to Busbee’s family and friends. The school also requested continued prayers for Tucker’s recovery. Counselors and support staff are available to assist students and faculty.
While ALEA has not released an official crash report, preliminary eyewitness accounts suggest the teens’ vehicle was struck by a driver traveling on the wrong side of the highway. The investigation into the fatal incident remains ongoing.
