MOBILE COUNTY, AL – A quiet Tuesday morning turned somber as tragedy struck along U.S. Highway 45. Authorities have confirmed that Otis Reed, a 39-year-old resident of McIntosh, was fatally struck by a vehicle in the early morning hours of August 5, 2025.
The incident occurred around 3:45 a.m. near the 17-mile marker, roughly 10 miles north of Prichard. Alabama State Troopers and local first responders rushed to the scene following reports of a pedestrian being hit on the highway. Sadly, despite swift response efforts, Reed was pronounced deceased at the scene.
A Sudden and Devastating Incident
The details surrounding why Reed was on foot along that stretch of Highway 45 remain under investigation. Authorities have not yet released information about the driver or whether charges may be pending, but have indicated that the driver remained at the scene and cooperated with law enforcement.
Troopers with the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) are continuing to gather evidence to determine the exact circumstances that led to the collision. Weather and visibility conditions at the time of the crash are also being examined.
Remembering Otis Reed
Otis Reed was more than just a name in a tragic report. Known to friends and family as a kind-hearted, quiet, and dependable man, Otis had deep roots in the McIntosh community. He was a brother, a son, a neighbor, and a friend to many. Those who knew him say he was always willing to lend a helping hand and was someone you could count on when times were tough.
Otis enjoyed the simple things in life — a good conversation, spending time outdoors, and sharing meals with loved ones. He carried himself with humility and warmth, and his sudden loss has left a void that his family and community are now struggling to process.
“He didn’t deserve to go this way,” said one family friend. “He was just trying to make his way, and it breaks our hearts knowing he’s gone.”
Community Grieves a Preventable Loss
The tragedy has once again highlighted the dangers pedestrians face, particularly on rural highways and poorly lit roadways in the early morning hours. Community leaders are urging both drivers and pedestrians to be vigilant, especially during hours of low visibility.
Local residents and advocates are calling for improved lighting and safety measures along this stretch of Highway 45, citing this incident as a wake-up call.
Final Arrangements and Support
Otis Reed’s family is currently working on funeral arrangements and has expressed deep appreciation for the outpouring of love and support they’ve received. A memorial is being planned in McIntosh to celebrate his life, and loved ones are invited to attend and share memories of the man they cherished.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be made in Otis’s honor to local outreach programs that serve low-income and vulnerable individuals — causes that were close to his heart.
Gone Too Soon
The loss of Otis Reed is a stark reminder of how fragile life can be and how quickly it can change in the blink of an eye. As his family mourns, and the community of McIntosh grieves, his memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.
Rest in peace, Otis. You will be missed, remembered, and honored.
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