TRUSSVILLE, Ala. — A 65‑year-old man, identified as Stephen Dale Thompson, died Tuesday after being gravely injured while trying to stop his unoccupied vehicle from rolling down a slope on his property.
According to the Jefferson County Coroner’s Office, Thompson was found on the 3300‑block of Cedarbrook Circle in Trussville. He was outside his vehicle, attempting to prevent it from rolling uncontrollably down the incline of his property.
The incident occurred at approximately 11:34 a.m. on December 2. Emergency responders arrived to find Thompson already injured. He was pronounced dead at 11:47 a.m. — just 13 minutes after the reported injury.
Authorities say the vehicle was unoccupied; Thompson’s actions suggest he noticed the vehicle beginning to roll and intervened — a tragic decision that cost him his life.
The Trussville Police Department, working with the coroner’s office, has launched an investigation into the exact circumstances surrounding his death. At this time, no foul play has been reported.
Friends and neighbors described Thompson as a quiet, capable man who took care of his property and vehicles. The tragic accident has shocked the local community, some of whom expressed disbelief that a simple act of trying to prevent a car from rolling could end so disastrously.
As the investigation continues, family members and close friends await further clarity — hoping answers will shed light on how a routine moment turned into a personal tragedy.
