Vehicle Plunges into Water in Fatal Gulf Shores Crash
R. Ken Cooper • May 3, 2024
Driver Killed in Waterway Crash Near Tacky Jacks
Update from ALEA: The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) has disclosed the identity of the individual involved in the fatal crash that occurred on Friday morning, resulting in a vehicle submerged in the Intracoastal Waterway. ALEA reports that Brooks H. Kaechele, 21, from Elberta, was the victim of the incident which took place around 1:23 a.m. on May 3. The incident involved a 2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse. ALEA stated that the vehicle veered off the road, colliding with a guardrail, multiple traffic signs, trees, a wooden deck, a boardwalk, and boardwalk poles. According to the release, Kaechele was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the accident.
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Update form Orange Beach Police at 11:20am:
On 3 May 2024, Orange Beach Police Officers responded to Cumberland Farms, 23679 Canal Rd. Orange Beach, Al., for a reported vehicle striking a pedestrian.
As responding officers arrived, the suspect vehicle was identified by a witness. When OBPD attempted to conduct an investigatory traffic stop, the vehicle fled west on Canal Road.
The suspect reached an excessive speed at which time the pursuing officer remained engaged at a safe distance in an attempt to keep eyes on the vehicle. The suspect vehicle was unable to negotiate the 90° turn at Tacky Jacks in Gulf Shores and crashed.
The vehicle came to rest submerged in the Intra Coastal Waterway. Officers were able to locate the lights of the vehicle underwater and entered in an attempt to save the driver but were unsuccessful.
The crash is being investigated by the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency.
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A tragic traffic incident claimed the life of a driver in Gulf Shores early this morning. The accident occurred around 1:24 AM near Tacky Jacks, at the intersection of East Canal Drive and East Second Street. Authorities reported that the vehicle was heading west on East Canal Drive when it breached the guard rail and plunged into the water below. The driver was declared deceased at the scene.
The Gulf Shores Police Department (GSPD) is assisting both the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) and the Orange Beach Police Department in the investigation. However, GSPD is not leading the inquiry.
Expect traffic delays in the area. Traffic is being rerouted to East 23rd Ave and East 5th Street.
We have requested additional information from Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Police on this incident. We will update this article as soon as we know more.
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