Four teenage victims of I-459 accident identified
(Reprint of Birmingham News Article, March 22, 2008)
The identities of four teenagers killed in the collision of a car and truck Friday on I-459 were released today by Alabama state troopers.
They are: Zachary Livingston, 18, (Left) the driver of the 1999 Chrysler Sebring convertible; Lyndsey Baker, 14 and Stephanie Baker, 17, (middle) of Birmingham, passenger in the car; and Joel Swinford, 18, (Right) of Irondale, another passenger. The four teenagers were killed as the convertible backed up on the righthand traffic lane and was struck by a FedEx tractor trailer driven by Corris L. Shannon, 37, of Conley , Ga. --Nancy Wilstach
PERSONAL NOTE:
All of these kids have lived in the Irondale area and attended Shades Valley High School or Irondale Middle School . The loss of these children is a tragedy for the entire community.
Joel Swinford, 18, a passenger in this vehicle, was a regular visitor of Bessie’s Cycle Barn and like many kids, Joel wanted to someday own a motorcycle of his own. Joel often “slipped†down to the Cycle Barn during his “breaks†at school to look at bikes and to talk with Bessie’s employees or anyone else who might have a riding story to share with him. Joel enjoyed being around motorcycle riders so much that he had recently borrowed a motorcycle to attend a meeting with the Christian Motorcycle Association (The C.M.A) at Richards BBQ on 280, so that he could enjoy their company, even though he did not yet own a motorcycle of his own. Joel was regularly seen in his black leather vest, he got for Christmas, awaiting the day he too would enjoy the wind in his face, the sun on his back, and the fellowship of the road with his fellow riders.
Joel’s family has asked that any and all motorcycle riders, that can, to please escort and attend Joel’s Funeral to allow Joel the opportunity to ride with the people he admired so much… Us, the Motorcycle Community….
ALL RIDERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO ATTEND…
Funeral Arrangements:
Joel’s Viewing is Tuesday 5pm – 8pm at Metropolitan Church of God, 2800 Metropolitan Way, Birmingham, AL 35243 (205) 795-4448 (MAP FOUND BELOW)
The Funeral will be held at 2pm at the Metropolitan Church of God. We ask that all riders be there by 1:40 to line up for a the Funeral procession to follow the service to Southern Heritage Cemetery located at 475 Cahaba Valley Road (Hwy 119), Pelham, Alabama 35203 (205) 988-3511.
Let’s give this young man, the ride he never got…
Ride on our Brother, Ride on…
DONATIONS ARE BEING ACCEPTED, IF YOU CAN HELP, PLEASE DO SO.
Thank You!
Any questions feel free to call Jeff or Sheri at Bessie's 205-957-0724. ...
