Woman killed in multi-car wreck
A Marion County woman was killed Wednesday evening in a multi-car wreck on U.S. 43 in Russellville.
According to Russellville Police Chief Chris Hargett, Margaret Ann Hedden, 49, of Hamilton, was killed during the accident that occurred in front of Southside Baptist Church at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday.
Franklin County Coroner Elzie Malone pronounced Hedden dead at the scene from internal injuries sustained during the crash.
Police investigator Lt. Scotty Lowery said Hedden was the passenger in a 1994 Chevrolet Cavalier driven by her son, Wesley William Hedden, also on Hamilton.
According to reports, Lowery said it appeared Wesley Hedden was traveling in the north-bound lane of U.S. 43 when he turned into the median near Southside Baptist Church and attempted to turn around and enter the south-bound lane.
Lowery said Hedden pulled out in front of a 2002 Toyota driven by Austin Harley Oldag of Hackleburg, who was traveling south on U.S. 43.
“When the wreck occurred, the driver of the Toyota got out of his vehicle to check on the passengers in the Cavalier,” Lowery said.
“He was standing near the Cavalier when a Buick came over the hill and struck the Toyota in the rear of the vehicle, which sent it flying several yards.”
Lowery said the driver of the Buick was James B. Davis of Spruce Pine.
Both Davis and Wesley Hedden were transported from the scene by ambulance to Russellville Hospital where they were treated and released for minor injuries.
Lowery said Oldag was not injured in the accident.
Lowery said the multi-vehicle wreck is still under investigation.
Officials said this is the first traffic fatality reported in the city of Russellville in five years.