Sylacauga man killed in local crash

Published 9:33 pm Monday, September 13, 2010

A 62-year-old Sylacauga man was killed in a one-vehicle crash near Verbena early Saturday afternoon, Alabama State Troopers confirmed.

David Thomas Fields was driving a 1990 Chevrolet van on Chilton County Road 23 about three miles south of Verbena when he lost control of the vehicle, left the roadway and struck a tree.

Verbena Fire Department, Pine Level Fire Department, Chilton County Sheriff’s deputies and state troopers were dispatched to the scene about 1:45 p.m. Chilton County Coroner Randy Yeargan arrived and pronounced the victim dead at 2:50 p.m.

According to Yeargan, Fields died upon impact.

“Seat belts were not in use at the time of the crash, and alcohol is believed to be a factor in the crash,” an Alabama State Troopers report stated. “State troopers continue to investigate.”

Also, no airbags were available on that particular year model vehicle, trooper spokeswoman Robyn Litchfield noted.

Fields was apparently traveling northwest on 23 toward U.S. Highway 31 from Wetumpka. There were no passengers in the vehicle, and no one reportedly witnessed the crash.