Gulf Shores Police Investigate Fatal Accident on Gulf Shores Parkway

R. Ken Cooper • July 18, 2024

Police Seek Witnesses in Fatal Gulf Shores Accident

Boat in the road at the accident scene. Photo by Jessica A. Taylor

Update 11:01am on July, 22, 2024: The driver pronounced deceased at the accident scene has been identified as 74-year-old Stephen E. Spychalski of Gulfport, Mississippi. 


Original Article: Gulf Shores, Ala. – (OBA) – On July 18, 2024, at 10:42 AM, Gulf Shores Police and Fire Rescue responded to a two-vehicle accident on Gulf Shores Parkway.


A 2016 Lincoln Navigator was traveling north on Gulf Shores Parkway when it left the roadway and sideswiped a light pole in the median. The SUV continued north and hit a boat and trailer being towed by a 2018 Chevy Silverado. The truck was stopped in the left turn lane at Cypress Bend Drive.


The force of the impact caused the boat to leave the trailer. The boat came to rest in the southbound lanes of Gulf Shores Parkway.


The driver of the Lincoln Navigator was pronounced dead at the scene. The truck driver did not report any injuries.


The name of the deceased is being withheld until family notifications are made.


The accident is still under investigation. Witnesses are asked to contact the Gulf Shores Police Department at 251-968-2431.

Wrecker removing SUV from the accident scene.

Share this article w/ Friends...

Baldwin County And Foley Advance CR 26 Hickory Upgrades
By OBA Staff February 1, 2026
Foley, Ala. — (OBA) — Baldwin County officials report progress on safety upgrades at a busy intersection in Foley. Road crews have completed improvements along County Road 26, also known as West Michigan Avenue. The focus has now shifted to widening South Hickory Street and adding new turn lanes to reduce congestion...
Active Adult Cresswind Subdivision At Sandy Creek Coming To Foley
By OBA Staff February 1, 2026
Foley, Ala. — (OBA) — A new 55-plus neighborhood is in development just off the Foley Beach Express, marking the debut of Kolter Homes’ Cresswind brand in Alabama. The project, known as Cresswind at Sandy Creek, is planned to include more than 1,300 homes across approximately 750 acres, according to city officials...
Sea Glass Initiative Awarded City of Gulf Shores Grant
By OBA Staff February 1, 2026
Gulf Shores, Ala. — (OBA) — Sea Glass Initiative, a Baldwin County nonprofit dedicated to ending and preventing homelessness, has received a $2,000 grant from the City of Gulf Shores through its new Nonprofit Grants Program. This program aims to support community organizations that provide direct aid to Gulf Shores...
Alabama Health Officials Warn Of Extreme Cold Dangers
By OBA Staff January 31, 2026
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — The Alabama Department of Public Health is warning residents to take extra precautions during extremely cold weather to prevent medical emergencies like hypothermia and frostbite. Health officials warn that both conditions can develop rapidly and become life-threatening without quick...
LuLu's Gulf Shores
By R. Ken Cooper January 31, 2026
Gulf Shores, Ala. — (OBA) — LuLu’s has announced the addition of Karl Langley as its new Talent Booking Manager, a move that promises to boost the restaurant’s already lively music scene. Langley will oversee booking live entertainment for both the Gulf Shores and Destin locations. Known for blending Southern charm...
Classic Cars Roll Into Sunliner Diner In Orange Beach
By R. Ken Cooper January 31, 2026
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — Sunliner Diner in Orange Beach plans to welcome car lovers and families for a special afternoon event with the local group Chaotic Cruiserz. The gathering will combine classic cars with the restaurant’s 1950s theme, giving visitors a chance to step back in time while enjoying a meal.
Coastal Cities Prepare For Freezing Weather Closures
By R. Ken Cooper January 30, 2026
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — Local officials across our area are preparing for an incoming blast of arctic air expected to grip the Gulf Coast through the weekend. Many outdoor facilities in Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, Gulf State Park, and Foley will close temporarily as temperatures fall below freezing. The closures...
Emporium@C is the Mardi Gras Hotspot In Orange Beach
By R, Ken Cooper January 30, 2026
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — Orange Beach is buzzing with Mardi Gras excitement this season, and one local business has become the center of celebration. Emporium@C, a boutique owned by Trisha Voltz Carlson, is welcoming visitors with a colorful mix of purple, green, and gold. From dazzling costumes to themed décor...
Make-A-Wish Alabama® Launches Specialty License Plate Campaign
By OBA Staff January 30, 2026
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — Make-A-Wish Alabama has launched a new campaign designed to turn Alabama roadways into moving symbols of hope. The nonprofit organization is encouraging drivers to support children with critical illnesses through a specialty license plate program. Leaders say the effort connects everyday...
Foley Police Arrest Two Men In Animal Cruelty Investigation
By OBA Staff January 29, 2026
Foley, Ala. — (OBA) — Foley Police arrested two men on Wednesday for animal cruelty. Several agencies were involved in the investigation. In a statement, the Foley police said the case began after concerns were raised about the treatment of animals in the men’s possession. Officers executed a search warrant as part of
Show More