Driver identified in Alabama prison transport van crash that killed 2, injured 5

TALLAPOOSA COUNTY, Ala. (WSFA) - The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency confirmed Friday the name of the driver of an inmate transport van that crashed, killing two and injuring five others Wednesday evening.

Alexander City Community Based Facility inmates Willie Crayton, 60, Jakes Jones, 46, Bruce Clements, 66, Thomas Bass, 44, Heath Garrett, 50, Shawn Wasden, 33, and Richard Jackson, 58, all of Alex City, were returning to the facility after work when the crash happened on Elder Road in Dadeville. That’s about two miles northeast of Jackson’s Gap, in Tallapoosa County.

ALEA said Jones was behind the wheel of the 2014 Ford Econoline van, owned by the Alabama Department of Corrections, when it left the roadway and struck a tree around 5:30 p.m. He was taken to a hospital in critical condition.

ADOC said Crayton died on the scene and Clements succumbed to his injuries after being transported to a hospital. The other inmates were treated for non-life-threatening injuries.

ADOC Commissioner John Hamm extended his condolences to Crayton’s and Clements’s family and friends saying, “Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.”

Hamm also thanked first responders in Tallapoosa County, adding their, “quick and professional response of those first on the scene is very much appreciated by the ADOC. We will be doing all we can to support the staff and inmates affected by this tragic event.”

ALEA’s investigation into the cause of the crash is ongoing.

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