Man returning from funeral dies in fiery crash on Alabama highway

Published 6:00 pm Friday, February 28, 2020

A Georgia man died in a two-vehicle crash in Alabama while coming home from his aunt’s funeral, authorities said.

David Longon Cranford, 65, of Marietta, was driving back to Georgia Wednesday from Etowah County, Ala. when authorities said he suffered a medical emergency, news outlets reported.

Cranford was driving on U.S. 278 near Ala. 11, authorities said.

Cherokee County Coroner Jeremy Deaton said Cranford’s van collided with an 18-wheeler and exploded on impact.

Both vehicles erupted into flames, authorities said. Cranford was ejected from the van and was later pronounced dead at the scene, Deaton said.

The coroner’s office and Alabama State troopers are investigating the crash.