Birmingham, Alabama – Authorities have released the identity of a woman who tragically lost her life earlier this week after being struck by a semi-truck on an interstate exit ramp in Birmingham.
The Jefferson County Coroner’s Office confirmed on Friday that the victim was Shontea Renee Baker, 40, of Birmingham.
According to investigators, the accident occurred at approximately 10:26 a.m. Wednesday on the Arkadelphia Road exit ramp from Interstate 59/20. Emergency crews were dispatched immediately following reports of a pedestrian being struck. Despite their rapid response, Baker was pronounced deceased at the scene at 10:42 a.m.
The fatal incident remains under investigation, with authorities working to determine the circumstances that led to Baker being on the exit ramp at the time of the collision. Accident reconstruction experts are assisting in piecing together how the semi-truck struck the victim and whether any contributing factors such as speed, visibility, or roadway conditions played a role.
Officials have not yet released further details about the truck driver, but they confirmed that no additional injuries occurred. The driver remained at the scene and is said to be cooperating fully with investigators.
The sudden death of Baker has left her family and friends heartbroken. At just 40 years old, she is remembered as a beloved Birmingham resident whose life was cut short unexpectedly.
This tragedy also underscores ongoing safety concerns along busy interstate exit ramps, where high volumes of traffic and unexpected pedestrian presence can result in dangerous and often deadly situations.
The Jefferson County Coroner’s Office and Birmingham Police Department have both emphasized that this is an active and ongoing investigation, and more updates may follow as authorities gather additional details.