Alabama coroner dies after he is dragged by truck
FLORENCE, Ala. (AP) - A northwest Alabama coroner is dead after being dragged behind a truck.
Florence police tell local media that Colbert County Coroner Carlton Utley became stuck between a pickup truck and a trailer about noon Monday, after getting out of the truck at a downtown intersection.
Officials say Utley was dragged half a mile (1 kilometer) or more before someone alerted the truck's driver, a family member of Utley's.
Utley died before he could be taken to a hospital. Police are investigating.
In his second term as coroner, Utley was also a volunteer firefighter and paramedic.
Colbert County Probate Judge Daniel Rosser will name a special coroner until Governor Kay Ivey can appoint a replacement. In the meantime, officials said Lauderdale County Coroner Andy High will assist Colbert County as needed.