Maria C. Aguilar Perez Obituary, Death News – Authorities in Alabama have released additional information regarding a tragic multi-vehicle collision that claimed the life of a Columbus woman earlier this week. The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) confirmed Wednesday that 61-year-old Maria C. Aguilar Perez died as a result of the crash, which took place Monday evening along a stretch of Alabama Highway 51.
The incident occurred shortly before 7 p.m. near the highway’s 82-mile marker, an area frequently traveled by commuters and residents moving between nearby communities. According to ALEA, Aguilar Perez had been driving a 2014 Nissan Rogue when her vehicle became involved in a head-on collision with a 2004 Lexus ES330. The Lexus was being operated by a 64-year-old driver from Union Springs. Investigators have not yet released details on what may have caused the two vehicles to collide, but they confirmed the crash was severe enough to stop traffic as emergency responders rushed to the scene.
After the initial impact, a third vehicle — a 2024 Nissan Sentra driven by a 23-year-old individual from Fitzpatrick — became involved. Officials reported that the Sentra struck the Rogue following the earlier collision, adding to the complexity and severity of the incident. Multi-vehicle crashes such as this often require extensive analysis to determine the sequence of events, and ALEA has stated that their Highway Patrol Division is continuing to review the situation carefully.
Tragically, Aguilar Perez did not survive. First responders pronounced her deceased at the scene. The sudden loss has deeply affected her family and community, as news of the crash quickly spread across Columbus and surrounding areas. Her vehicle sustained significant damage, and despite rapid response efforts, there was nothing emergency personnel could do to save her.
The drivers of the other two vehicles were injured during the crash. Both were transported to Baptist Medical Center South in Montgomery for medical care. Officials have not released the extent of their injuries, but both individuals were reported to be receiving treatment as the investigation continues. It is not uncommon for early reports to withhold medical details like condition status until families are notified or more information is confirmed by healthcare providers.
ALEA has emphasized that at this stage, no further information is available regarding contributing factors such as speed, road conditions, or possible driver impairment. These elements will be examined as part of the ongoing investigation. Traffic investigators typically analyze vehicle damage, measure skid marks, review roadway conditions, and interview any witnesses or survivors to piece together a complete picture of what transpired.
Crashes involving head-on impacts are often among the most deadly due to the force generated when two vehicles collide in opposite directions. While officials have not drawn any conclusions, the severity of this particular collision underscores the importance of caution on two-lane highways like Alabama 51, where vehicles often travel at higher speeds and may have limited room to maneuver.
In many rural and semi-rural parts of Alabama, roadways can become challenging during evening hours when visibility decreases. Investigators may consider factors such as lighting, traffic flow, and roadway curvature as they work toward their final report. ALEA will release updates as more information becomes available, but it may take time for troopers to complete a thorough analysis and determine the exact cause of the crash.
For now, the focus remains on supporting the victims and their families while ensuring that the investigation is handled with precision. The community mourns the loss of Maria C. Aguilar Perez, whose life was cut short in a devastating accident. Loved ones, neighbors, and colleagues are left grieving as authorities continue their efforts to understand what led to the collision on Alabama 51.
