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PAGE 2A December 2024
Holidays Are a Time of Increased Risk for Stroke
Oneonta Man Killed In Crash A two-vehicle crash at approximately 7:32 a.m. on Wednesday, December 11, has claimed the life of an Oneonta man. Bobby M. Shirley, 83, was fatally injured when the 2007 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 he was driving struck the 2020 Mack tractor-trailer driven by Brian L. Bunch, 58, of Guntersville. Shirley was not using a seat belt at the time of the crash and was pronounced deceased at the scene. A 15-year-old, who was a passenger in the Chevrolet, was also injured and transported to a nearby hospital for treatment. The crash occurred on U.S. 231 near the 248 mile marker, approximately four miles south of Oneonta, in Blount County. Nothing further is available as Troopers with the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency’s (ALEA) Highway Patrol Division continue to investigate. Gaylesville Man Killed In Crash A two-vehicle crash at approximately 12:50 p.m. on Monday, December 9, has claimed the life of a Gaylesville man. According to State Troopers, Benjamin M. Davis, 46, was critically injured when the 2013 Hyundai Elantra that he was driving collided head-on with the 2024 Peterbilt tractor- trailer driven by Jeff E. Stoops, 46, of Sandusky, Ohio. Davis was injured and transported to Atrium Heath Floyd Medical Center, in Rome, GA for treatment, where he later succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased. The crash occurred on Alabama 35 near Cherokee County 782, in Cherokee County. Nothing further is available as Troopers with the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency’s (ALEA) Highway Patrol Division continue to investigate. 20-Year-Old Killed in Crash A single-vehicle crash at approximately 6:03 a.m. on Sunday, December 8, has resulted in the injury of a Birmingham man. Johan H. Castillo, 20, was injured when the 2017 BMW 540I that he was driving left the roadway, struck a sign and multiple embankments. The BMW then overturned and struck a church. Both the church and BMW then caught fire. Castillo was transported to Cullman Regional Medical Center for treatment. The crash occurred on U.S. 31 near Valley Trail, approximately four miles north of Hayden, in Blount County. Nothing further is available as Troopers with the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency’s (ALEA) Highway Patrol Division continue to investigate. Four Vehicle Crash Kills One A four-vehicle crash at approximately 1:10 p.m. on Friday, December 6, has claimed the life of a Jacksonville man. According to authorities, Derrick L. McCormick, age 45, was fatally injured when the 2008 Chevrolet Silverado that he was driving left the roadway and struck a road sign. As a result of the impact, the sign struck the 2014 Chrysler 200 driven by Katelynn Paulson, age 19, of Munford. The Chevrolet overturned and an air compressor thrown from the vehicle struck the 2018 Ford Focus driven by Bradley D. Frey, age 68, of Ashville. The Chevrolet entered the opposite lanes of travel and struck a 2008 Peterbilt 389 tractor-trailer driven by James W. Barksdale, age 52, of Horton. After the impact, the Chevrolet overturned and left the roadway. McCormick was not using a seat belt at the time of crash, was ejected and was pronounced deceased at the scene. Frey was also injured and transported to Riverview Regional Medical Center for treatment. The crash occurred on U.S. 431 near Lucky Mountain Road, approximately five miles north of Attalla, in Etowah County. Traffic Accidents
Stroke symptoms can be remembered with F-A-S-T: ● Face drooping
Cherokee County Crash Kills One A two-vehicle crash at approximately 5:22 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 27, has claimed the life of a Summerville, GA man. Authorities reported that Gerone L. Evans, age 58, was critically injured when the 1994 Nissan pickup he was driving was struck by the 2023 Nissan Altima driven by Debra J. Mitchell, 55, of Hermitage, TN. After the initial impact, the Nissan pickup left the roadway and overturned. Evans was not using a seat belt at the time of the crash, was ejected and transported to Floyd Medical Center in Rome, GA. Evans later succumbed to injuries sustained and was pronounced deceased at the hospital. Mitchell and passengers in the Nissan Altima, Aniayah J. Bembry, 19, of Hermitage, Tenn. and Breanna J. Randolph, 33, of, Brownsville, TN were all injured and transported to Floyd Medical Center for medical treatment. A 1-year-old and 3-month-old, who were also passengers in the Nissan Altima, were injured and transported to an area hospital for medical treatment. The crash occurred on Alabama 35 near the 7 mile marker, approximately three miles north of Gaylesville, in Cherokee County. Fort Payne Man Killed in Crash A single-vehicle crash at approximately 1:08 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 25, has claimed the life of a Fort Payne man. According to authorities Garrett C. Matchen, age 28, was fatally injured when the 2008 Saturn Astra he was driving left the roadway and struck a tree. Matchen was not using a seat belt at the time of the crash and was pronounced deceased at the scene. The crash occurred on Alabama 117 near the 15 mile marker, approximately four miles south of Ider, in Dekalb County. Nothing further is available as Troopers with the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency’s (ALEA) Highway Patrol Division continue to investigate. In the midst of all the gifts and good times, the holidays also come with a higher risk for medical emergencies, including stroke. Celebrations often include rich foods and alcohol, and busier social calendars can leave less time for exercise and sleep. Added stress from holiday preparations, shopping for gifts, increased expenses or traveling, along with millions of other holiday activities can affect the body. Cold weather can, too. Taken together, these elements can increase blood pressure or development of heart arrhythmias and blood clotting disorders – all of which could trigger a stroke. “During this busy time of year, it’s important to give yourself time to sleep and relax and to be mindful when eating and drinking to reduce your risk of an unexpected visit to the ER,” said Dr. Tapan Abrol, Neurologist with Gadsden Physician Clinics. “Balance the indulgent treats with healthy choices, make time for physical activity, connect with friends and family, and make sure you know the signs and symptoms of stroke.” According to a press release from the Gadsden Regional Medical Center, stroke risk increases with age, but strokes can happen at any age. The most important thing to do is recognize the symptoms and get help without delay.
● Arm weakness on one side ● Speech difficulty/slurring ● Time to call 9-1-1
Dr. Abrol added, “If you or someone you love experiences these symptoms – take action to get help quickly. Even if you’re not certain, get to the emergency room for evaluation by a medical professional. Stroke is a time-sensitive medical crisis and timely diagnosis helps to save your brain and life.” Every second makes a difference so Dr. Abrol stresses the importance of calling 9-1-1 rather than driving to the emergency room yourself. The paramedics and emergency medicine technicians of EMS can begin assessment and treatment and communicate with the ER staff while on their way. Stroke remains the fifth leading cause of death and the leading cause of long-term disability in the U.S. Early detection and treatment are key to improving survival, minimizing disability and accelerating recovery. The providers of Gadsden Regional Medical Center are available throughout the holidays should you need them. Gadsden State to host commencement ceremony Gadsden State Community College’s Commencement Ceremony will be at 6 p.m. Dec. 19 in the Richard Lindsey Arena at Gadsden State Cherokee. The event will recognize students who completed program requirements following the summer and fall semesters. Featured commencement speakers are Gadsden State students April Davis, Bridget Parker and Jhaylan Alona Redwine. Davis, a native of Lagrange, GA is receiving an Associate in Applied Science in Salon and Spa Management. She is currently a part-time instructor for Gadsden State’s Esthetics program. Parker is receiving an Associate in Science in Accounting. The Weaver resident attends the Ayers Campus, where she is a member of SSS. After graduation, she plans to transfer to a four-year university to earn a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting with the goal of becoming a certified public accountant. Rome, GA resident Jhaylan Alona Redwine will receive an Associate in Registered Nursing. The Gadsden State Cherokee student plans to work in the Critical Care Unit at Advent Health Redmond following graduation. Redwine has plans to continue studying to become a nurse practitioner. Dr. Kathy Murphy, president of Gadsden State Community College, will preside over the ceremony. She will award credentials to the candidates presented by Dr. Farrah Hayes, dean of Academic Programs and Services, Dr. Joey Battles, dean of Health Sciences, and Alan Smith, dean of Workforce Development. Pamela Johnson, dean of Institutional Effectiveness, Grants and Special Projects, will serve as the commencement grand marshal.
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