Demopolis man dies after being struck by vehicle on Hwy. 80

On May 24, 2017, the Demopolis Police Department along with Demopolis Fire & Rescue and Amstar EMS responded to a call of a pedestrian being struck by a vehicle on U.S Hwy 80 near South Finest Meats. Upon arrival, officers located a male lying in the roadway suffering from injuries from the accident. Chief Tommie J. Reese, director of public safety for the City of Demopolis said the victim was taken to Bryan Whitfield Hospital and later transferred to DCH where he died from his injuries.

The victim was identified as 80-year-old Jake Rowser of Demopolis, known to many in the community by the nickname of “Mule.”

Reese said that an eyewitness stated that the victim was crossing the highway when he was struck by an oncoming vehicle traveling west on Hwy 80.

“This was just a tragic accident that occurred and no criminal charges will be brought against the driver of the vehicle,” said Reese.

“As the Chief of Police and the Director of Public Safety, I have to warn people who are crossing any highways or streets to look both ways and sometimes, it is better to wait if you think you cannot make it across in time, just do not try it.”