Fatal Hit-and-Run on Ozark Road Claims Life of Brandy Duncan, 46; Suspect Still at Large
Woman dead in Abbeville hit-and-run, police say
Anyone with information or video footage is asked to call Henry County dispatch at (334) 585-2222.
‘It crushed my soul’: Daughter of hit-and-run victim speaks out
With the unexpected tragedy, the family has created a GoFundMe page for those looking to help lay Duncan to rest.
A fatal hit-and-run collision on Friday night claimed the life of an Abbeville woman, and local police are actively seeking the responsible driver. Brandy Duncan, 46, of Abbeville, Alabama, was found lying in the roadway in the 100 block of Ozark Road by responding officers after Henry County dispatch received an emergency call reporting a person down in the road. Upon arrival, officers observed injuries on Duncan consistent with being struck by a vehicle. Henry County Coroner Derek Wright pronounced Duncan deceased at the scene at 9:00 p.m. Abbeville Police Chief Marlos Walker confirmed that investigators are actively reviewing available camera footage and conducting interviews with potential witnesses. Authorities are urging anyone with information or video footage of the incident to contact Henry County dispatch at (334) 585-2222 and request to speak with an investigator. Duncan's remains have been transported to the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences in Montgomery, where an autopsy is pending.
Location and Infrastructure
The 100 block of Ozark Road in Abbeville, Alabama, is a local roadway situated within Henry County, a rural county in the southeastern corner of the state. Abbeville serves as the county seat of Henry County, and Ozark Road connects residential and outlying areas of the city. Rural and semi-rural roads like Ozark Road in small municipalities often feature limited street lighting and reduced pedestrian infrastructure, which can present elevated risks for individuals on or near the roadway after dark. The incident occurred at nighttime, conditions under which visibility for both pedestrians and drivers is significantly reduced. The area's traffic patterns are typical of small-town Alabama roads, with lower overall volume but potentially higher speeds. Local residents and commuters familiar with the road may hold critical information relevant to the ongoing investigation.
Legal Rights and Considerations
Under Alabama law, leaving the scene of an accident involving death or serious injury is a felony offense under Alabama Code § 32-10-1, carrying significant criminal penalties including imprisonment. The family of Brandy Duncan may have civil legal remedies available, including a wrongful death claim under Alabama Code § 6-5-410, which must generally be filed within two years of the date of death. Alabama operates under a contributory negligence standard, which may affect civil proceedings. Once the at-fault driver is identified, the victim's family may be entitled to pursue compensation for funeral and burial expenses, loss of companionship, and other damages recognized under Alabama wrongful death statutes. Uninsured motorist coverage, if held by the decedent or qualifying family members, may also provide a avenue for financial recovery prior to or in the absence of the suspect's identification. Individuals seeking to understand their rights are encouraged to consult a licensed Alabama attorney.
Related Resources
Local Emergency Services
- Abbeville Police Department — (334) 585-2556
- Henry County Sheriff's Office — (334) 585-2222 (Dispatch)
- Henry County Coroner — Derek Wright
Report Tips on This Case
- Henry County Dispatch: (334) 585-2222 — Ask to speak with an investigator or request an officer respond to your location
Alabama Traffic Safety & Forensic Resources
- Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences (Montgomery): www.adfs.alabama.gov
- Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) Traffic Safety: www.alea.gov
- Alabama Rules of the Road / Traffic Code: Alabama Code Title 32 – Motor Vehicles and Traffic
Victim Support Services
- Alabama Crime Victims Compensation Commission: www.acvcc.alabama.gov — (334) 290-4420
- National Grief Support / Crisis Counseling: 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (call or text 988)
- Alabama 211 (Social Services Referrals): Dial 2-1-1 or visit www.al211.org
What victims of an Abbeville pedestrian accident need to know
When someone in Abbeville has been hurt in a pedestrian accident, the injuries are often devastating and sometimes fatal. It is important for a pedestrian accident victim to get information about their rights and options. And after a fatal accident, family members need to learn what to do to launch an insurance claim and get compensation for the loss of their loved one.
Since the laws related to Abbeville pedestrian accidents are complicated, it is important to speak with an experienced Abbeville injury lawyer. Learn more about how a Abbeville pedestrian accident attorney can help.