Woodie Earl Beck III dies in fatal Thomasville car crash

Woodie Earl Beck III dies in fatal Thomasville car crash

Fatal Thomasville car crash death of Woodie Earl Beck III – Obituary

Woodie Earl Beck III, 53, tragically lost his life in a devastating multi-vehicle crash on May 6 in Thomasville, Alabama. He was driving one of the vehicles struck by a semi-truck that barreled into stopped traffic on Highway 43. Beck was pronounced dead at the scene.

Woodie was a well-loved coach and physical education teacher at Wilcox Academy, where he served as the head softball coach and assistant football coach. He was known for his dedication to his students, his gentle nature, and the strong example he set for the young athletes he mentored.

The fatal crash occurred around midday when a loaded semi-truck, driven by 45-year-old Andrii Dmyterko of Philadelphia, failed to stop and collided with four vehicles that were waiting at a red light. The impact caused massive destruction and claimed the lives of both Beck and Ashley Marie Springer McDonald.

Community tributes have poured in following the accident. Wilcox Academy and The Pecan Downtown, where Woodie’s wife Tiffany works, both posted heartfelt messages honoring his life, character, and influence. Friends described him as kind, humble, and always willing to lend a hand wherever needed.

Mayor Sheldon Day and other officials have called the crash one of the worst incidents in Thomasville’s recent history. Authorities say Dmyterko showed no signs of braking and have charged him with two counts of vehicular manslaughter. Additional charges may follow as the investigation continues.

Woodie’s sudden passing has deeply impacted his family, school community, and friends. His legacy lives on in the students he coached, the lives he touched, and the family he loved so dearly.