William James “James” Clowdus Car Accident Obituary-Death: 16-Year-Old Killed in Shelby County Crash Near Hoover
A heartbreaking Sunday afternoon crash in Shelby County has claimed the life of 16-year-old William James “James” Clowdus, leaving his family, friends, and the wider community in deep mourning. The tragic collision also left several others injured, including another teenager, in what authorities describe as a devastating multi-vehicle accident.
According to the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency and the Shelby County Coroner’s Office, the crash occurred around 2:10 p.m. along Alabama 119 near the 26-mile marker, just south of Hoover. Emergency responders were dispatched after reports of a serious collision involving multiple vehicles.
Investigators say Clowdus was driving a 2013 Honda Civic when it collided with a Lexus RX SUV driven by 64-year-old Michael C. Rice of Birmingham. The impact forced the Honda Civic off the roadway, where it struck a fence and then a nearby greenhouse, causing severe damage.
Authorities confirmed that Clowdus was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash and was ejected from the vehicle upon impact. Despite the rapid response of emergency crews, the teenager was pronounced dead at the scene.
A 14-year-old passenger in the Honda Civic was also injured and transported to a nearby hospital for treatment. Officials have not yet released updates on the teen’s condition. The driver and passenger of the Lexus SUV were also taken to UAB Hospital with injuries.
The crash caused significant traffic delays as law enforcement officers worked to investigate and clear the scene. Authorities are still examining the circumstances surrounding the collision, and factors such as speed, impairment, or other contributing causes have not yet been confirmed.
The investigation remains ongoing, and further details may be released as they become available.
