A tragic accident unfolded in Lawrence County, Alabama, where a man from Decatur lost his life in an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) crash. According to a report from the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA), the single-vehicle incident occurred in the early evening hours of Friday, May 9, leaving the community in mourning and prompting an official investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash.
Authorities say the crash happened around 6:50 p.m. when 65-year-old Larry D. Whitlock was riding a 2001 Honda Rancher ATV. While traveling along a rural stretch of Lawrence County Road 362, the ATV unexpectedly left the roadway, hit a roadside ditch, and overturned. Tragically, Whitlock was thrown from the vehicle during the rollover and did not survive. Emergency personnel pronounced him dead at the scene.
The location of the accident lies roughly four miles west of the small town of Trinity, an area known for its quiet backroads and countryside landscapes. Though often favored for recreational driving and outdoor activities, these less-traveled roads can present hazards, especially for ATV riders navigating uneven terrain. This fatal crash serves as a sobering reminder of the potential risks involved in off-road vehicle use, even for experienced riders.
At this time, ALEA’s Highway Patrol Division has launched an active investigation into the cause of the crash. While no additional details have been released regarding possible contributing factors, officials continue to gather evidence and analyze the scene in order to determine what might have led to the deadly rollover. As with all ongoing investigations, further updates are expected to follow as the inquiry develops.
The loss of Larry Whitlock has deeply impacted the local community and his loved ones. As authorities work to piece together the events that led to the tragedy, friends and neighbors are left grieving the sudden and devastating loss of a familiar face. The incident highlights the importance of safety precautions when operating off-road vehicles and underscores the fragile nature of life on the road, whether paved or not.
