By John Brice
Correspondent
Details of a fatal car accident on Interstate 85 were shared in a press release from the Valley Police Department on Friday, August 25th of 2023. It stated “This morning at approximately 4:21 A.M. officers of the Valley Police Department were notified of a one vehicle accident on I-85 north in the area of the 73-mile marker. On arrival officers found that the driver and a passenger had died due to injuries sustained in the accident. They were both 19 years old of Lanett. Their names are being withheld pending family notification. A third victim of the accident had been ejected from the vehicle and was located in the median. He was transported to Piedmont Hospital in Columbus. His current status is unknown. He is also 19 years old from Lanett.” Concluding the statement it noted “This accident is still under investigation by the Valley Police Department and the Chambers County Coroner’s office.”
News reports from local media were widely shared on social media which was met with an outpouring of condolences and prayers from commenters. One facebook user mentioned their relation to one of the victims saying “Man i just found out that he was my cousin man.. crazy man” while another identified themselves as their teacher remarking “2 of my Lanett students I’m so hurt about it”.
Another post identified one of the deceased noting “Ampmeko Zyquan Trammell affectionally known as ‘Meko’ departed from this life on August 25, 2023, at the age of 19. Meko was born July 29, 2004, as the eldest son to his mother, Megail Trammell, and father, Anthony Whitlow in Lanett, Alabama where he lived as a resident. Meko was a beautiful soul, a caring and respectable young man. Funeral Services will be Saturday, September 2, 2023@ 1:00 PM from Rehope Missionary Baptist Church 5267 County Road 258 LaFayette, AL 36862”.
That same commenter posted graduation photos they had taken of the victim, remarking “I had the opportunity to capture this young man picture last year for his 2022 graduation Ampmeko Zyquan Trammell. Take your rest”. Memories and grief were expressed in a comment on another post stating “I know one of them that play basketball be I forgot his name I am not good with name I hope and praying for the family in there times of grief”. That sentiment was echoed by another commenter who noted “Praying for the Families, who are involved with this situation, Praying Our Heavenly Father will hold everyone of you in his Loving Arms, and give you comfort in your hearts, praying for you, Apostle Doris Rudd Fears”.