Tragedy on Highway 43: Beloved Alabama Coach and Local Woman Killed in Fiery 4-Vehicle Crash; Truck Driver Charged with Manslaughter as Community Mourns Devastating Loss

Thomasville, AL (May 7, 2025) — Heartbreak rippled across Alabama this week as communities mourn the tragic loss of two lives — including a beloved high school coach — following a devastating multi-vehicle crash on Highway 43 in Thomasville. The deadly collision, described by authorities and first responders as one of the worst the city has ever witnessed, took place late Tuesday morning and has led to criminal charges against a semi-truck driver involved in the wreck.

Woodie Earl Beck III, a 53-year-old assistant football coach, head softball coach, and physical education teacher at Wilcox Academy in Camden, was killed at the scene. Also pronounced dead was 37-year-old Ashley Marie Springer McDonald. Both victims were in vehicles stopped at a red light when tragedy struck.

The collision occurred at approximately 11:51 a.m. on Tuesday, May 6, when Thomasville police say four vehicles were waiting at a red light in the southbound lanes of Highway 43 at the intersection of South Industrial Park Drive. Without warning, a loaded semi-truck and trailer slammed into the back of the stopped traffic, triggering a catastrophic chain-reaction crash.

According to police, the truck involved is owned by 4 US Transportation, a company based out of Chicago, Illinois. The semi-truck was occupied by two men from Pennsylvania, both reportedly in the U.S. on work visas. The driver, Andril Dmytarko, 45, has been charged with two counts of vehicular manslaughter. He is currently being held in the Clarke County Jail as authorities continue their investigation. The passenger has been identified as 31-year-old Denys Kucher. At this time, it remains unclear what led to the deadly impact, and police say additional charges may follow.

Four other individuals involved in the crash were transported to a nearby hospital. Fortunately, they have since been released.

A Coach Remembered, A Community Grieves

Coach Woodie Beck’s death has sent shockwaves through Wilcox Academy and the broader athletic community. Known for his kind spirit, mentorship, and dedication to student-athletes, Beck had become a pillar of the school and Camden community. His impact stretched far beyond the field, influencing the lives of countless students with his passion, humility, and genuine care.

The Alabama Independent School Association honored his legacy in a heartfelt statement on social media:

“He was loved by many and had a tremendous impact on the lives of young student-athletes. His loss is immeasurable.”

Beck’s wife, Tiffany Beck, is the manager of The Pecan Downtown, a well-known gourmet restaurant in Camden. The restaurant shared its grief on Facebook, calling Woodie “a friend to us all” and remembering his “sweet smile, humble personality, and love for children and his wife.”

“Woodie was always willing to help out whenever and wherever we needed him… Please pray for the Beck family,” the post read.

City Officials Speak Out

Thomasville Police Chief Mitchell Stuckey offered a public statement extending prayers to the families and condemning the careless act that led to the loss.

“I want to first offer my prayers to the families that experienced great loss due to this careless act,” Stuckey said. “This tragedy was preventable, and we will pursue justice.”

Thomasville Mayor Sheldon Day, a veteran firefighter with more than 40 years of service, called the crash “one of the worst accidents we have ever worked in the City of Thomasville during my career.” In a deeply emotional message on social media, he asked the public to not only pray for the families affected but also for the first responders who faced an emotionally grueling scene.

“Each of our first responders need your prayers,” Day wrote. “They are on the front line and did a tremendously professional job today. However, during the process of working an accident like this, we see things you cannot unsee. This accident will forever be etched in their minds.”

Investigation Ongoing, Community Demands Answers

As the investigation unfolds, local residents and grieving families are demanding accountability. While police have not yet released the full circumstances leading up to the crash, early signs point to either driver inattention or mechanical failure — both of which remain under investigation. Law enforcement agencies from multiple jurisdictions responded to the scene and are continuing to work closely with federal transportation officials to determine whether 4 US Transportation complied with all safety regulations.

Dmytarko’s arraignment is expected to take place later this week. Authorities have not indicated whether federal immigration officials will become involved due to the work visa status of the driver and his passenger.

For now, the priority remains honoring the lives lost and offering support to their loved ones.

In Loving Memory:

• Woodie Earl Beck III: 53, of Camden, Alabama. Beloved coach, mentor, teacher, husband, and community leader.
• Ashley Marie Springer McDonald: 37, of Alabama. A vibrant life lost far too soon.
• This is a developing story. More information will be released as it becomes available. The Thomasville Police Department is urging any witnesses to come forward with information that might aid in the investigation.