East AL woman passes away after train vs. vehicle crash in Opelika
A sad update has been released by authorities in the train versus vehicle crash in Opelika.
Image: Opelika Police Department
The crash occurred at 8th Street railroad crossing in downtown Opelika, shortly before 3 P.M. on August 20, 2025.
Opelika police say authorities located a female entrapped in a Mercedes passenger car. The female was transported to East Alabama Medical Center, where she was life-flighted to Grady Memorial Hospital in Atlanta, GA.
Image: Opelika Police Department
Lee County Coroner Daniel Sexton confirmed to CNAW2News.com, the female driver, identified as 69-year-old Cathy Richards, of Dadeville, was pronounced deceased at Grady Memorial Hospital.
The crash remains under investigation by the Traffic Homicide Investigation Unit of the Opelika Police Department.
Related stories
WeatherOpelika firefighters deploying south ahead of Hurricane Isaias
WeatherBREAKING: TROPICAL STORM WARNING EXPANDS ACROSS EAST ALABAMA AND WEST GEORGIA AS HURRICANE ISAIAS APPROACHES
WeatherBREAKING: Hurricane Isaias strengthens to 104MPH in 11 p.m. advisory; East Alabama and West Georgia face flooding, wind, tornado threats
WeatherFLOOD WATCH issued across East Alabama and West Georgia ahead of Hurricane Isaias
WeatherBREAKING: Tropical Storm Watch Issued for East Alabama as Hurricane Isaias approaches