Matthew Palmgren Obituary, Death – Authorities have confirmed that a man from Wetumpka lost his life in a single-vehicle crash in Elmore County earlier this week. The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) identified the victim as 54-year-old Matthew Palmgren, who died at the scene after his pickup truck overturned.
The fatal crash happened on Wednesday evening, September 24, along Alabama Highway 111, roughly nine miles south of Wetumpka. According to state troopers, the accident occurred around 5:48 p.m. when Palmgren, driving his pickup truck, veered off the roadway. His vehicle then overturned, causing him to be ejected from the truck.
Investigators reported that Palmgren was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the accident. The lack of restraint played a significant role in the severity of the outcome, as he was thrown from the vehicle during the rollover. Emergency responders pronounced him dead at the scene shortly after the crash.
The Alabama State Troopers are leading the investigation into what caused Palmgren’s vehicle to leave the roadway. So far, no additional details have been released regarding possible contributing factors, such as speed, driver distraction, mechanical issues, or road conditions.
Authorities stressed that seat belt use remains one of the most effective safety measures in preventing fatalities during motor vehicle accidents. Statistics from both state and national traffic safety organizations consistently show that individuals who do not wear seat belts are far more likely to suffer fatal injuries in crashes. Palmgren’s death serves as another tragic reminder of the importance of this safety precaution.
The crash left local residents shaken, as fatal accidents along Alabama Highway 111 are not uncommon. The stretch of road where the incident occurred is a frequently traveled route that connects rural parts of Elmore County with Wetumpka. Some locals have voiced concerns about traffic speeds and road conditions, though officials have not yet said whether these factors played any role in Wednesday’s wreck.
Palmgren’s sudden death adds to the growing number of traffic-related fatalities recorded in Alabama in 2025. According to ALEA, single-vehicle accidents are among the most common types of fatal crashes in the state, often involving drivers running off the roadway or losing control of their vehicles. Authorities continue to remind motorists to remain alert and cautious, particularly when traveling rural highways where sudden hazards can appear.
As the investigation continues, no further updates have been released regarding the circumstances of the crash. State troopers are expected to review any possible evidence from the scene and may request a mechanical inspection of the pickup truck to rule out equipment failure as a contributing cause. Toxicology testing is also a routine part of crash investigations, though no results have yet been shared.
While officials work to determine the exact cause, the loss of Palmgren is already being deeply felt within his community. Neighbors and friends remember him as a familiar face in Wetumpka, and his death has left many expressing condolences to his family.
For now, investigators continue to piece together the timeline of events leading up to the fatal rollover. ALEA has urged all drivers to use this tragedy as a reminder to wear seat belts at all times and to exercise caution behind the wheel.
The crash remains under investigation, and authorities plan to release additional details once they are available.
