CLEBURNE COUNTY, AL — A tragic accident early on Friday, July 18, 2025, claimed the life of Kristi D. Browning, a 55-year-old woman from Pell City, Alabama, who was struck by a vehicle while walking along Interstate 20. The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) has confirmed Browning’s identity as the victim in this heartbreaking incident.

Details of the Incident

The fatal collision occurred at approximately 4:30 a.m., near the 208-mile marker on I-20, about three miles east of Heflin in Cleburne County, Alabama. According to ALEA’s preliminary report, Browning was walking on the interstate when she was hit by a 2012 Chevrolet Malibu driven by 29-year-old Matthew J. Preece, a resident of Anniston, Alabama.

The vehicle’s impact left Browning with fatal injuries. First responders arrived at the scene shortly afterward, and despite efforts to save her, Browning was pronounced dead at the scene. At this time, there are no public statements or confirmed details regarding why Browning was on foot on the interstate at such an early hour. Investigators are working to gather more information about the circumstances leading up to the collision.

Investigation and Unknowns

The Alabama Highway Patrol Division is leading the investigation, focusing on several key factors that could have contributed to the fatal accident. Authorities are analyzing aspects such as visibility, weather conditions, and whether driver impairment played any role in the incident.

As of now, authorities have not released further details about the cause of the crash, nor have they confirmed whether charges will be filed or if the driver will face legal consequences. The investigation is ongoing, and ALEA is encouraging witnesses or anyone with additional information to come forward to assist with the process.

Pedestrian Fatalities in Alabama: A Growing Concern

Kristi Browning’s tragic death adds to the growing number of pedestrian fatalities in Alabama, where incidents involving pedestrians on high-speed roadways like Interstate 20 continue to raise significant public safety concerns. Pedestrians walking on interstates are particularly vulnerable due to high vehicle speeds and limited visibility, especially during the early morning or late-night hours.

The timing of the incident, occurring in the early hours of the morning, likely contributed to limited visibility on the road. High vehicle speeds on such roadways also increase the likelihood of fatal outcomes when pedestrians are involved in accidents.

Mourning the Loss: Kristi Browning Remembered

Kristi D. Browning’s death has devastated her family, friends, and the Pell City community. While additional personal details about her life have not yet been publicly shared, it is clear that her untimely passing has left a significant emotional impact on those who knew her. Local residents and loved ones are mourning her loss and are seeking answers regarding the events that led to this tragic accident.

At this time, family members have not publicly commented on the incident, and Matthew J. Preece, the driver involved, has also not made any public statements regarding the crash.

The Call for Witnesses and Community Support

As the investigation progresses, the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) is actively seeking witnesses or individuals with information about the incident to come forward. Surveillance footage, if available, and eyewitness reports could prove essential in determining the exact cause of the fatal crash and any factors that contributed to it.

The ALEA has urged anyone who may have witnessed the incident, or who may have been in the area at the time, to contact the agency’s Traffic Homicide Unit at 1-800-241-4074. Additionally, anonymous tips can be submitted via Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

Conclusion: A Community in Grief and Awareness

Kristi Browning’s tragic death serves as a stark reminder of the dangers pedestrians face on high-speed roadways, particularly on interstate highways where foot traffic is uncommon but still possible. The accident highlights the need for increased awareness among both drivers and pedestrians, particularly in areas where pedestrians may be more vulnerable.

The Pell City and Cleburne County communities are left to process the untimely loss of a woman whose life was tragically cut short. As authorities continue their investigation, the community holds onto hope that justice and clarity will come, offering some form of closure to Browning’s loved ones and the residents who have been impacted by the tragic event.

In the meantime, the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency remains committed to understanding the full circumstances surrounding the crash, ensuring that any contributing factors are addressed, and, most importantly, preventing similar incidents in the future.