BILLINGSLEY / CHILTON COUNTY, AL — The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) is investigating a devastating multi-vehicle collision that claimed the lives of 20-year-old Harrison R. Short of Auburn, Alabama, and 50-year-old David L. Bethel of Jones, Alabama, on Friday morning, November 13, 2026.
The crash occurred along U.S. Highway 82 west of Billingsley, resulting in two on-scene fatalities and sending four additional individuals to Montgomery hospitals for medical treatment.
The deceased were identified as Harrison R. Short, 20, of Auburn, Alabama, and David L. Bethel, 50, of Jones, Alabama. According to the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA), the crash occurred at approximately 7:30 a.m. near mile marker 115, about two miles west of Billingsley.
Investigators reported that Short was traveling as a passenger in a GMC Sierra driven by 19-year-old Joseph L. Whatley III of Mountain Brook. The pickup was involved in a collision with a Kenworth W990 tractor-trailer operated by 59-year-old Terry R. Lenoir of Maplesville.
Short, who was not wearing a seat belt, sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.
Following the initial collision, the GMC Sierra was struck by a Chevrolet Silverado driven by 27-year-old Terrius R.M. Smith of Selma. David L. Bethel, a passenger in the Chevrolet Silverado, also suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.
Four other people were injured in the crash. Smith was transported to a hospital in Montgomery for treatment. Whatley and another passenger in the GMC Sierra, 19-year-old Gabriel Smith of Birmingham, were also taken to a Montgomery hospital. Additionally, 20-year-old Elliot R. Young of Auburn was airlifted to a Montgomery hospital for further medical care.
ALEA reported that Smith, Short, and Young were not wearing seat belts at the time of the collision.
As investigators continue examining the circumstances surrounding the crash, two families are left grieving the loss of loved ones. Harrison and David’s deaths are a painful reminder of how suddenly lives can be changed by a roadway tragedy.
Thoughts and condolences are with their families, friends, and everyone affected by this heartbreaking incident.
