NORTHPORT, Ala. — A devastating multi-vehicle crash claimed the life of a U.S. Postal Service employee in Northport on Wednesday, July 16, 2025. The victim, identified as 36-year-old Vonchelle Renee Gamble of Tuscaloosa, was killed in the collision that occurred around 12:39 p.m. in the southbound lanes of U.S. Highway 43, just south of the Highway 171 intersection.
The accident involved four vehicles, including a U.S. Postal Service mail truck driven by Gamble, who was on duty at the time. According to Assistant Police Chief Keith Carpenter of the Northport Police Department, emergency responders, including Northport police, fire medics, and NorthStar Ambulance personnel, arrived promptly at the scene. Despite their efforts, Gamble was pronounced dead at the scene. Three other individuals involved in the crash sustained minor injuries and received treatment on-site.
The Northport Police Department’s Traffic Reconstruction Unit is actively investigating the cause of the collision. Authorities are examining potential factors such as speed, road conditions, and driver behavior to understand what led to the tragic chain-reaction crash. As of now, no criminal charges have been filed, and the identities of the other drivers and passengers involved have not been disclosed.
The U.S. Postal Service expressed profound grief over the loss of Gamble, a valued member of their team. In a statement, USPS officials said, “We are deeply saddened by the loss of our postal family member. Our sincere condolences and thoughts go out to her family, friends, and co-workers.” Gamble was described by colleagues as a dedicated and well-liked employee, whose sudden passing has left a profound impact on those who knew her.
The crash caused significant disruptions along Highway 43, with traffic detoured for several hours while investigators worked to reconstruct the accident and clear the wreckage. The roadway was fully reopened by 7 p.m. on Wednesday. Authorities are urging anyone with information, including eyewitness accounts or dashcam footage, to contact the Northport Police Department to assist in the ongoing investigation.
Gamble’s death has reverberated through the Tuscaloosa and Northport communities, where she was known for her hard work and warm presence. The tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the risks faced by postal workers and others who navigate busy roadways as part of their daily duties. As the investigation continues, the community mourns the loss of a beloved individual, and her family, friends, and colleagues are left to grieve a life taken far too soon.
