Father and Son Killed on Interstate 65
A Birmingham man and his son died after being struck by a tractor-trailer on the interstate.
Updated on Sept. 18, 2026 in Accidents
Cornelius Leray Dixon, 56, and his 22-year-old son, Jamari Tre'vionne Dixon, were killed on Interstate 65. The fatal collision occurred after the father entered the roadway to retrieve a detached tire.
Why it matters
The tragedy highlights the dangers of roadway obstructions and the split-second decisions that can lead to fatal accidents. The loss has deeply impacted their family, with funeral services scheduled for the coming weeks.
Cornelius and Jamari Dixon were pronounced dead at the scene following the incident involving a tractor-trailer. Authorities are continuing to process the circumstances surrounding the detached wheel that initiated the chain of events.
The players
Cornelius Leray Dixon
He was a 56-year-old worker who had been employed at Thompson Tractor for 36 years.
Jamari Tre'vionne Dixon
He was a 22-year-old man who worked as a patient care technician.
The details
The incident began when the tractor-trailer's rear axle broke, sending a wheel rolling across traffic lanes. Cornelius Dixon, a 36-year veteran at Thompson Tractor, entered the road to retrieve the object when both he and his son, a patient care technician, were struck.
Timeline
The fatal collision occurred on September 13, 2026.
A funeral service for the pair is scheduled for September 26, 2026.
Legal Context
This tragedy underscores the persistent risks of road debris that prompted the 2024 Alabama Department of Transportation highway safety initiative. The incident highlights ongoing challenges in managing hazardous obstructions on busy urban transit corridors.
Drivers traveling through Birmingham are reminded to remain cautious and report any road debris immediately to prevent similar tragedies. Residents are invited to attend the funeral services for the victims at the Tabernacle of Praise Ministries.
The takeaway
Maintaining situational awareness on high-speed interstates is vital when encountering unexpected roadway obstructions. Motorists should prioritize professional recovery assistance rather than attempting to retrieve debris in active traffic lanes.
Further reading
For more information on local road safety and incident reporting, visit the Birmingham Accidents section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Al.
