DECATUR POST — A single-vehicle crash that occurred at approximately 4:05 p.m. Tuesday, April 1, has claimed two lives. Maria Alonzo-Perez, 24, of Athens, was killed when the 2003 Ford Expedition she was driving left the roadway and struck a culvert. After the initial impact, the Ford overturned, struck a sign and multiple trees. Alonzo-Perez was not using a seat belt at the time of crash and was pronounced deceased at the scene.

A 5-year-old, who was a passenger in the Ford, was also killed and pronounced deceased at the scene. The 5-year-old was improperly restrained at the time of the crash. A 6-year-old, who was also a passenger in the Ford, was injured and transported to a local hospital for treatment.

The crash occurred on U.S. 72 near Lakeview Street, approximately six miles west of Athens, in Limestone County. Nothing further is available as troopers with the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency’s Highway Patrol Division continue to investigate.