Man dies in Hwy. 29 wreck

According to coroner Julie Phillips, William T. “Billy” Smith, 75, was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash, which occurred around 12:30 p.m.

Smith was traveling south toward Danielsville in a Madison County Towing tow truck when his vehicle swerved, crossed the centerline and struck a guardrail on the north shoulder of the Bluestone Creek Bridge. The vehicle flipped several times, according to witnesses, coming to rest right side up in the creek.

An autopsy was performed, but the results have not been received, Phillips said, though it is believed Smith died from blunt force trauma injuries sustained in the crash. He was not wearing a seatbelt.

Phillips said Smith was a well-known figure in the community.

According to his obituary, Smith worked as a truck driver, school bus driver and EMS worker. He had also served as a policeman for Danielsville and Colbert police and was retired from the Madison County Sheriff’s Office.