By By Marianne Todd/The Meridian Star
May 8, 2001
CLARKE COUNTY A 21-year-old Saraland, Ala., woman was killed Monday afternoon after her car left the roadway and overturned, officials said.
The accident occurred at 3:30 p.m. on Highway 45 South just south of the Highway 514 intersection.
Lydia Whatley was transported to Jeff Anderson Regional Medical Center, where she was pronounced dead at 10:15 p.m., said Lauderdale County Coroner Marl Cobler. Whatley apparently died of massive head trauma, Cobler said.
Clarke County Sheriff Todd Kemp said the accident occurred when Whatley's Plymouth left the southbound lane of Highway 45, crossed the median and flipped several times. Whatley, who was not wearing a seatbelt, was ejected from the car, Kemp said.
Kemp said her father was driving behind her and witnessed the accident.
So far, investigators can only speculate as to why Whatley's car left the road, Kemp said.
Marianne Todd is a staff writer for the Meridian Star. Call her at 693-1551, ext. 3236, or e-mail her at mtodd@themeridianstar.com.