A devastating incident occurred Monday night, July 14, 2025, when a Florence man was fatally struck by a vehicle on County Road 87, west of Highway 20 in Lauderdale County. Authorities have charged the victim’s brother in connection with the tragic hit-and-run.
Lauderdale County Sheriff Joe Hamilton reported that deputies responded to the scene around 10:00 p.m. after receiving a call about a body on the roadside. Upon arrival, emergency personnel confirmed the victim, identified as 27-year-old Perry James Crakaal, was deceased.
According to a witness interviewed by deputies, Perry Crakaal had been in a vehicle with his brother, 29-year-old Brandon Wayne Crakaal, and the witness prior to the incident. An argument erupted between the brothers, leading Perry and the witness to exit the vehicle and walk along County Road 87. Shortly after, Brandon, driving a white Chevrolet pickup, allegedly returned and struck Perry before fleeing the scene.
Deputies later received reports of a damaged white Chevrolet pickup near County Road 14 and County Road 15 in Oakland. The vehicle, which matched the description provided, was found abandoned. Following a citizen tip around midnight, authorities located Brandon Wayne Crakaal at a residence on County Road 106, where he was arrested without incident.
Brandon Wayne Crakaal faces charges of manslaughter and felony leaving the scene of an accident. He is currently in custody at the Lauderdale County Detention Center as the investigation continues.
Authorities are urging anyone with additional information to contact the Lauderdale County Sheriff’s Office. Updates will be provided as new details emerge.
