MILLBROOK, Ala. — Heartbreak and disbelief hang heavy over the city of Millbrook after a **four-vehicle collision** near the **17 Springs complex** on Thursday evening claimed **three lives** and left **two others injured**. The victims have been identified as **Mary F. Ford, 60, of Millbrook; Anthony Vega Smith, 33, of Demopolis; and Diane E. Smith, 65, of Indiana**.
According to investigators, the tragic crash occurred around **6:15 p.m.** on a busy stretch of road near the recreational complex, a popular area often filled with evening traffic. Initial reports indicate that one vehicle may have **crossed the centerline**, triggering a chain reaction involving three other cars. The impact scattered debris across multiple lanes, forcing authorities to shut down the roadway for several hours as emergency crews worked to rescue victims and clear the scene.
**Mary Ford**, a lifelong Millbrook resident, was described by friends as a “pillar of kindness” and an active community volunteer. **Anthony Vega Smith**, a young father from Demopolis, was remembered for his optimism and dedication to his family. **Diane Smith**, visiting from Indiana, had been traveling through Alabama at the time of the crash. Each loss has rippled through their communities, uniting friends and strangers alike in grief.
Two survivors were transported to nearby hospitals with **non-life-threatening injuries**, according to the **Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA)**. The cause of the crash remains under investigation, though troopers have not ruled out speed or distraction as possible factors.
As makeshift memorials grow near the crash site—flowers, candles, and handwritten notes—the people of Millbrook have come together in prayer vigils and online tributes. City officials extended condolences to the victims’ families, calling the event “a tragic reminder of how fragile life can be and how deeply one evening can change everything.”
