AL Woman Ashley Critchley Left Heartbreaking FB Post Before Found Dead In Ditch

MORGAN COUNTY, AL. (THECOUNT.COM) — Ashley Critchley, 38, was found dead Saturday morning in a ditch along Apple Grove Road, according to the Morgan County Coroner’s Office.

Critchley, of Somerville, was discovered around 7:15 a.m. on January 17 near the intersection of Apple Grove Road and County Road 78, which lies just south of the small community of Hartselle and north of Decatur. Morgan County Coroner Jeff Chunn confirmed her death and said initial indications suggest she may have been struck by a vehicle.

The Morgan County Sheriff’s Office responded to the scene after a passerby reported seeing a woman lying in the roadside ditch. Deputies secured the area, and the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) has taken over the investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding her death.

Two days before she was found, Critchley shared a lengthy post on Facebook expressing emotional distress and feelings of isolation. In the post, dated January 15, she wrote in part, “I keep screaming at the top of my lungs I can’t take it anymore but nobody listening… I’m done with it all… I’m saying goodbye.” The post did not reference the circumstances of her death, and authorities have not indicated whether it is connected to the incident.

Apple Grove Road is a rural stretch that connects local communities to the larger roadway network in Morgan County. The road sees regular commuter traffic during the morning hours and is used by residents traveling between Hartselle, Falkville, and Decatur. According to local sources, the area is known for limited lighting and narrow shoulders, factors that can contribute to vehicle accidents, particularly during early morning hours.

The investigation into Critchley’s death is ongoing, with law enforcement seeking to determine whether she was struck by a vehicle and, if so, to identify the responsible party. The ALEA Highway Patrol Division has reportedly begun reviewing nearby traffic cameras, interviewing potential witnesses, and canvassing the area for physical evidence.

Critchley’s body was recovered at the scene and transported for an autopsy to establish the exact cause of death. The Morgan County Coroner’s Office confirmed that additional forensic tests will be conducted as part of the ongoing investigation.

Residents in the surrounding areas, including Hartselle, Falkville, and Decatur, have expressed concern about the safety of rural roads like Apple Grove Road. Law enforcement officials have previously issued warnings to drivers to exercise caution on these roads, particularly at dawn and dusk when visibility is limited and traffic is unpredictable.

The Morgan County Sheriff’s Office and ALEA are urging anyone who may have witnessed the incident or has information regarding Critchley’s death to come forward. Witnesses are asked to contact the Morgan County Sheriff’s Office at 256-352-2600 or submit anonymous tips through the ALEA website.

Authorities have not released any further details regarding potential suspects or persons of interest at this time. Investigators continue to examine all evidence and follow up on leads to determine the exact circumstances surrounding the incident.

This incident marks the latest in a series of traffic-related deaths reported in Morgan County over the past year, highlighting ongoing concerns about roadway safety in the rural portions of northern Alabama. Law enforcement officials continue to emphasize safe driving practices, including the use of seatbelts and caution during low-light conditions.

The investigation remains active, and authorities plan to provide updates as additional information becomes available. Officials continue to work with local and state law enforcement agencies to ensure a thorough review of the circumstances that led to Critchley’s death.

If you or someone you know is struggling or experiencing thoughts of self-harm, help is available. In the United States, the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline can be reached by calling or texting 988.

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