CLAY COUNTY, AL — A tragic single-vehicle crash early Sunday morning, July 27, 2025, claimed the life of Zamaria T. Whetstone, a 24-year-old woman from Madison, Alabama. The accident occurred around 2:45 a.m. on Alabama Highway 148, according to the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA).
Whetstone was driving near the 10-mile marker, approximately five miles outside Sylacauga, when her vehicle veered off the roadway and struck a tree. The impact was severe, and she was pronounced dead at the scene by emergency personnel. No other vehicles were involved, and no additional injuries were reported.
The stretch of road where the crash occurred is rural and can be particularly hazardous during the early morning hours. While officials have not yet determined the exact cause of the crash, investigators are examining all possible contributing factors, including road conditions, vehicle data, and environmental elements.
ALEA’s Highway Patrol Division is leading the investigation, which remains ongoing. Authorities are urging anyone who may have witnessed the crash or who has relevant information to contact their office.
Zamaria’s untimely death has sent waves of grief through the Madison community, where she was known and loved by many. Friends and family now mourn the loss of a young woman whose life ended far too soon.
At this time, funeral arrangements have not been publicly announced, and the family has not released a formal statement. ALEA has committed to completing a thorough investigation and may later issue public safety recommendations aimed at preventing similar tragedies on Alabama roads.
The passing of Zamaria Whetstone is a painful reminder of the risks associated with nighttime and early-morning driving—particularly on rural highways—and reinforces the ongoing need for awareness and caution behind the wheel.
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