Opp, AL — October 27, 2025, Jerry Watford was killed in an afternoon log truck accident on U.S. Route 331.

Authorities said a log truck crashed into Frank Jackson Lake near County Road 38 and sank into the water.

Driver Jerry P. Watford, 51, of Abbeville died in the crash, according to authorities.

Authorities have not released any additional information about the Covington County crash at this time. The accident is still under investigation.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

When people read that a log truck went off U.S. Route 331 and into a lake, killing the driver, one of the first questions they’re likely to ask is: How does something like that even happen? Trucks don’t just end up submerged without something going seriously wrong.

Right now, the official story is thin. Authorities have confirmed that the truck left the road and entered Frank Jackson Lake, and that the driver died, but we don’t know why the vehicle left the roadway. Without that, we’re left with more questions than answers.

Was the truck traveling too fast for the road or weather conditions? Did the driver try to avoid something or someone in the roadway? Was there a mechanical failure: brakes, steering, a blown tire? Or was this a case of driver fatigue, distraction or a health event behind the wheel? We just don’t know yet.

To start answering those questions, investigators should be looking at every source of available evidence. If the truck was equipped with an engine control module (ECM), that can show how fast it was going, whether the brakes were applied and if the driver made any sudden maneuvers. Dash cam footage, if it exists, could provide a visual timeline of what happened. The driver’s cell phone records may also reveal whether he was using the phone at the time of the crash.

Beyond that, someone needs to look at the logs, no pun intended. A fully loaded log truck is extremely heavy and can be difficult to control, especially if the load shifts or isn't properly secured. Was the truck overweight? Were the logs loaded or tied down correctly? Was the driver under pressure to meet a tight delivery window, possibly leading to unsafe speeds or skipped rest breaks?

And then there's the trucking company’s role. Did they conduct a proper background check before hiring the driver? Did they ensure he had adequate training to handle that type of cargo? Did they perform regular maintenance on the vehicle? These are all routine steps in a truck accident investigation, and until they’re completed, it’s impossible to say what, or who, caused this crash.

Key Takeaways:

• It’s still unclear why the log truck veered off U.S. 331 and into Frank Jackson Lake.
• Key evidence may include ECM data, dash cam footage, phone records and cargo loading procedures.
• Investigators should also evaluate the trucking company’s hiring and maintenance practices.
• The cause of a crash like this can involve more than just driver error. It may point to systemic problems.
• A full independent investigation is needed before anyone can responsibly say who’s at fault.