PRICHARD, Ala. — State troopers have identified the Eight Mile woman who was killed in a Prichard pedestrian crash on Bear Fork Road last month.
Alisia A. Burgans, 59, of Eight Mile, was walking in the roadway when she was struck by a car at about 9:55 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 19, according to the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency.
Burgans was pronounced dead at the scene.
What Troopers Say Happened
ALEA described the crash as a single-vehicle crash involving a pedestrian. According to the agency, Burgans was hit by a 2018 Toyota Corolla driven by Latonya A. Jones, 68, of Satsuma.
The crash happened on Bear Fork Road near Meyers Road. The location is within Prichard city limits, in Mobile County.
ALEA has not released any additional details, including whether Jones was injured, the direction either was traveling, or what conditions were like on the road at the time. No charges have been announced.
Troopers with ALEA’s Highway Patrol Division are continuing to investigate.
The Crash at a Glance
- Who: Alisia A. Burgans, 59, of Eight Mile
- When: About 9:55 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 19
- Where: Bear Fork Road near Meyers Road, inside Prichard city limits
- Vehicle: 2018 Toyota Corolla driven by Latonya A. Jones, 68, of Satsuma
- Investigating agency: Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, Highway Patrol Division
How Fatal Crash Investigations Work
ALEA’s Highway Patrol Division investigates traffic crashes across Alabama, and its troopers reconstruct serious and fatal crashes to determine how they happened. That work can include examining the scene and vehicle, measuring distances and sight lines, reviewing lighting and roadway conditions, and interviewing the driver and any witnesses.
Fatal crash investigations often take weeks or longer to complete. ALEA typically releases only basic information, such as the people involved, the time and the location, while the investigation is ongoing.
Walking Safely After Dark
Burgans was struck at night while walking in the roadway, a situation traffic safety officials consistently identify as among the most dangerous for pedestrians. National traffic safety data show that most pedestrian deaths happen after dark and away from intersections.
Safety advocates recommend that people walking near traffic, especially on roads without sidewalks:
- Use a sidewalk or path whenever one is available.
- When there is no sidewalk, walk facing oncoming traffic, as far from the travel lanes as possible.
- Wear bright or reflective clothing and carry a flashlight or use a phone light at night.
- Cross at intersections or marked crosswalks where possible, and never assume a driver can see you.
- Stay alert and avoid distractions such as headphones or looking at a phone near moving traffic.
Drivers share responsibility. Officials urge motorists to slow down, use headlights appropriately, watch for people walking along roadways at night and avoid distractions behind the wheel.
Remembering Alisia Burgans
Beyond her age and hometown, few details about Burgans’ life have been made public. ALEA’s release did not include information about funeral or memorial arrangements.
Anyone who witnessed the crash or has information that could help investigators may contact the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency.