Cullman, Alabama: Fatal Crash Involving C.A.R.T.S. Bus Claims Life of 73-Year-Old William Lavon Harper
CULLMAN, Ala. — Tragedy struck the Cullman community early Monday morning when a fatal collision involving a Cullman Area Rural Transportation System (C.A.R.T.S.) bus and another vehicle occurred at the busy intersection of US-31 and 2nd Avenue SW/County Road 715. The devastating accident claimed the life of 73-year-old William Lavon Harper, a beloved resident whose passing has left family, friends, and the broader community mourning a profound loss.
The crash, reported shortly after the morning rush began, led to a significant emergency response as law enforcement, firefighters, and paramedics rushed to the scene. Authorities confirmed that the impact resulted in fatal injuries to Mr. Harper, who was a passenger aboard the C.A.R.T.S. bus. Despite the efforts of first responders to render immediate aid, Harper tragically succumbed to his injuries at the scene.
Another passenger from the bus sustained injuries during the collision and was promptly transported to a nearby hospital for treatment. Their condition has not yet been disclosed publicly, though officials have stated that they are continuing to monitor the individual’s recovery.
The intersection where the crash occurred is known to be a heavily trafficked area, and the incident has once again sparked conversations about roadway safety, particularly where major highways and local roads intersect. Traffic in the area was rerouted for several hours Monday morning as investigators worked to reconstruct the events that led to the collision and clear debris from the road.
According to preliminary reports, the C.A.R.T.S. bus was operating its regular route when the collision occurred. Details about the second vehicle involved have not been fully released, and investigators with the Cullman Police Department are continuing their work to determine the cause of the crash. It remains unclear at this time whether speed, mechanical failure, or other factors contributed to the tragic outcome.
William Lavon Harper is remembered by those who knew him as a kind, warm-hearted man who valued community, family, and friendship. His death has deeply impacted the tight-knit Cullman community, with neighbors and friends expressing their grief and offering condolences to the Harper family during this incredibly difficult time.
In a statement released Monday afternoon, a family spokesperson said:
“William was a man of great compassion and unwavering kindness. He lived a life full of love, service, and quiet strength. Our hearts are broken by this sudden loss, but we are grateful for the outpouring of support from the community he loved so much.”
The Cullman Area Rural Transportation System (C.A.R.T.S.) also issued a brief statement, extending their sympathies to the Harper family and reaffirming their commitment to cooperating fully with investigators.
As the investigation continues, officials urge any witnesses who may have seen the collision or who have dashcam footage to come forward to assist in piecing together the exact circumstances of the accident.
Funeral arrangements for William Lavon Harper are currently being made and will be announced by the family in the coming days. In the meantime, the community is rallying around the Harper family, offering prayers, support, and remembrance for a man whose life left an indelible mark on all who had the privilege of knowing him.