Collinsville Man Killed in Fourth of July Crash in Rural DeKalb County
DEKALB COUNTY, Ala. — What was meant to be a night of celebration ended in sorrow as tragedy struck rural DeKalb County late Friday night. A single-vehicle crash claimed the life of 48-year-old Derrick G. Barkley, a resident of Collinsville, Alabama, just moments before midnight on July 4th. The devastating accident unfolded on one of the county’s rural roads, casting a shadow over the Independence Day holiday.
According to a statement released by the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA), the fatal crash occurred around 11:55 p.m. Barkley was driving along a stretch of county road near the town of Collinsville when, for reasons still under investigation, his vehicle left the roadway and overturned. Authorities said Barkley was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash and was ejected from the vehicle. He was pronounced dead at the scene by emergency responders.
The DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office and ALEA troopers were among the first on the scene, and they worked into the early hours of Saturday morning to investigate and clear the area. The crash site, located in a quiet, rural part of the county, was cordoned off as officials documented the scene, spoke with potential witnesses, and began piecing together what led to the fatal accident.
Derrick G. Barkley was known in the Collinsville area as a hardworking, family-oriented man. Friends and family remember him as someone who could light up a room with his sense of humor and who never hesitated to lend a helping hand to a neighbor in need. The news of his sudden death sent waves of grief through the small community, with loved ones expressing shock and heartbreak over the loss.
“He was just one of those people you could always count on,” said a family friend. “Derrick was a good man, and this is such a heartbreaking way to lose him.”
Social media has since been filled with tributes and messages of condolence. Friends shared photos and memories, describing Derrick as a dedicated father, a loyal friend, and someone who found joy in the simple things in life—family gatherings, fishing trips, and Alabama football Saturdays.
The Fourth of July is typically a time of celebration in DeKalb County, with fireworks displays, barbecues, and community events filling the night. But this year, the mood has been subdued. In place of celebration, many are offering prayers for Derrick’s family and reflecting on the fragility of life.
The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency has confirmed that the crash remains under investigation. While no foul play is suspected, officials are working to determine if speed, distraction, fatigue, or other factors played a role in the accident. They are also using this moment to reiterate the importance of seatbelt use, especially in rural areas where emergency response can be slower and crash outcomes more severe.
A memorial is being planned by Derrick Barkley’s family, who ask for privacy as they process their grief and prepare to say goodbye. Friends and neighbors are expected to gather in the coming days to honor his memory and support one another during this time of loss.
As DeKalb County mourns the loss of one of its own, Derrick G. Barkley is remembered not for how he died, but for how he lived—with warmth, loyalty, and a spirit that touched everyone around him. May his soul rest in peace.