JOHNSON'S CROSSING – A Hanceville man died last night in a three-vehicle incident on U.S. Highway 31 near Johnson's Crossing. Cullman County Coroner Jeremy L. Kilpatrick identified the victim as Steven Parris, 56.
According to troopers with the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA), the crash happened at approximately 5:05 p.m. Parris was driving a 1993 Chevrolet truck. Troopers say he was wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash.
ALEA identified the other two drivers as Brian Martin, 47, of Hanceville, who was driving a 2003 Land Rover and Matt Copeland, 46, of Hayden, who was driving a 2016 Chevrolet truck. Both men sustained injuries. Martin was wearing his seatbelt, while Copeland was not.
After the crash, Parris and one of the other drivers were taken to Cullman Regional Medical Center (CRMC); the third driver was transported to Huntsville Hospital. Parris was pronounced dead at CRMC.
ALEA troopers and investigators, as well as Cullman County Sheriff's deputies, Hanceville Police officers, members of the Johnson's Crossing Volunteer Fire Department and Cullman Emergency Medical Services responded to the scene.
According to a statement posted on social media last night by East Elementary School in Cullman, Parris was the husband of second-grade teacher Sheree Parris.
"Beloved 2nd grade teacher Sheree Parris tragically lost her husband in a car accident this afternoon. Our prayers are with her and the family during this difficult time," it read.
Early this morning, Cullman City Schools Superintendent Dr. Susan Patterson said, "On behalf of the board and all of Cullman City Schools our prayers and love go to Mrs. Parris and her family in the loss of her husband. She is loved by all and we will support her and her family during this difficult time."
Copyright 2016 Humble Roots, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
