Report: Alcohol believed to be involved in fatal crash; will go to grand jury

Published 12:54 am Saturday, May 21, 2016

A week after the deadly crash the killed an Andalusia High School freshman, Alabama State Troopers have released the crash report.

According to the report, the driver of the 2008 Ford Expedition that struck 15-year-old Lorne Wayne Macer was James H. Williamson, 54, of Reddberry Road, Andalusia.

The crash report indicates that Troopers believe alcohol was a factor in last Friday’s crash.

State Trooper Spokesperson Kevin Cook said that a blood test was collected but the results will not be known until toxicology reports are received back from the state lab.

“Once the traffic homicide investigation is completed, the investigator will turn over all of his findings and evidence to the Covington County District Attorney, who will present it to a grand jury,” Cook said. “According to the investigating Trooper’s opinion, alcohol may have been a contributing factor.”

The crash report, which was prepared by Troopers Phillip Faulkner and Broderick Bender, said that Macer was previously traveling north on U.S. 29 and had brought his motorcycle to a complete stop prior to making a left turn onto Lee Lane.

Macer was waiting on traffic traveling southbound to clear.

According to the report, Macer’s motorcycle had one operable brake/stop lamp that was found to have been working at the time of the crash, but no turn lamps were available or mounted on his motorcycle.

Williamson was traveling north on U.S. 29 , seconds behind Macer.

Williamson told Troopers he did not see Macer stopped ahead and a collision occurred between the two vehicles.

Williamson struck Macer from behind.

Reports indicate that Macer was thrown from the motorcycle and tumbled to a resting place on the side of the road.

Williamson brought his SUV to a controlled stop prior to moving it onto the shoulder.

Macer was transported to Sacred Heart Trauma Center in Pensacola, Fla., where he died on May 14.

Troopers said Williamson gave no further statements.