AL Woman Morgan Hawkins ID’d As Victim In Sunday Mountain Brook Fatal Crash

MOUNTAIN BROOK, AL (THECOUNT) — Morgan Lakesha Hawkins, 27, of Birmingham, was killed Sunday in a single-vehicle crash on U.S. Highway 280 in Mountain Brook, authorities confirmed. Hawkins was pronounced dead at the scene after the vehicle she was traveling in lost control and struck a guardrail, while the driver was transported to a Birmingham hospital with significant injuries.

According to the Jefferson County Coroner’s Office, Hawkins died following the crash that occurred along westbound U.S. 280 near Cherokee Road. Emergency responders were dispatched to the scene after reports of a serious wreck involving a single vehicle.

Officials with the Rocky Ridge Fire Department said their crews, along with the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency and Mountain Brook Police Department, responded to the crash location on Highway 280, a heavily traveled corridor that runs through southeastern Jefferson County and serves as a major commuter route between Birmingham and surrounding suburbs.

Preliminary information indicates the vehicle was traveling westbound on Highway 280 when it lost control for reasons that have not yet been disclosed. The vehicle then struck a guardrail on the passenger side, resulting in fatal injuries to Hawkins. Authorities have not released information regarding what may have caused the driver to lose control, including whether speed, weather conditions, roadway factors, or impairment may have played a role.

Rocky Ridge Fire Department officials said Hawkins was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver, whose identity has not been released, sustained significant injuries and was transported to UAB Hospital for treatment. The extent of the driver’s injuries has not been publicly detailed, and no information has been released regarding their current condition.

Mountain Brook Police confirmed they are investigating the crash. As of press time, no charges have been announced, and authorities have not indicated whether any citations will be issued. Investigators are expected to review physical evidence from the scene, including vehicle damage and roadway conditions, as part of the ongoing investigation.

Highway 280 is known for its high traffic volume, particularly during weekends and evening hours, and has been the site of numerous serious crashes over the years. The stretch near Cherokee Road includes multiple access points, elevation changes, and guardrails designed to prevent vehicles from leaving the roadway in the event of a loss of control.

The Jefferson County Coroner’s Office did not release additional details regarding Hawkins’ cause of death beyond confirming she died as a result of injuries sustained in the crash. No further information about next of kin or funeral arrangements has been made public.

Authorities have not said whether additional information will be released regarding the driver, toxicology testing, or potential contributing factors. The investigation remains active, and officials said updates will be provided as more facts are confirmed.

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