ROGERSVILLE-A single-vehicle crash Saturday, Dec. 31, has claimed three lives. Ricky Neal Smith, 57, of Rogersville, was killed with the Polaris Ranger UTV he was operating left the roadway and struck a tree. Smith, as well as two passengers, Shanna Thornton Smith, 37, of Anderson and Christopher Dewayne Holt, 42, of Rogersville, were all ejected from the vehicle and pronounced dead at the scene.
A fourth passenger, Angie Smith, was injured and transported to Athens Hospital. None of UTV’s occupants were using helmets or seat belts.
The crash occurred at 8:40 p.m. on Lauderdale County 547, five miles north of Rogersville. The preliminary investigation indicates that alcohol was a factor.
Alabama State Troopers continue to investigate the crash.
