Opp, Alabama (October 27, 2025) – The Opp community is mourning the tragic loss of 51-year-old Jerry P. Watford of Abbeville, Alabama, following a fatal single-vehicle accident on U.S. Highway 331 Monday morning.
At approximately 11:13 a.m., the Opp Police Department and Opp Fire Department responded to reports of a single-vehicle crash at the intersection of Covington County Road 38. Initial reports indicated that an 18-wheeler had gone through a guardrail and into the lake adjacent to the highway.
Upon arrival, first responders discovered that the vehicle involved was a log truck carrying a full load of logs, with the cab submerged underwater. Tragically, the driver, Jerry P. Watford, was pronounced deceased at the scene.
Preliminary investigation suggests that the log truck was traveling westbound on County Road 38 before it collided with the guardrail and subsequently entered the lake. The Alabama Department of Transportation temporarily closed U.S. Highway 331 during the recovery efforts, which took several hours due to the complexity of removing the submerged vehicle and its cargo. The highway has since reopened to traffic.
Authorities with the Opp Police Department continue to investigate the cause of the accident, examining factors such as vehicle condition, road conditions, and potential mechanical failure. No additional details have been released at this time.
The Opp Police Department has expressed its deepest condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of Jerry P. Watford, recognizing the profound impact of this tragedy on the local community.
This heartbreaking incident serves as a solemn reminder of the dangers associated with large commercial vehicles and the unpredictable nature of life on the road. Residents and motorists are encouraged to exercise caution when traveling through this section of Highway 331.
The investigation into the accident remains ongoing.
