Friends and family gather tonight to remember the beloved Bessemer barber and father who was killed when his car crashed into a large industrial tool that had been dropped into the center of Interstate 59/20.
Terrence Bernard Summers Jr., the 24-year-old father of three young children, was killed at I-59/20 near the exit of Academy Drive and Alabama Adventure at lunchtime on March 18th.
Summers is believed to have hit a sawmill that occupies multiple lanes on the interstate.
Terrence Bernard Summers Jr., 24-year-old Bellob's father and barber, was killed at n I-59/20 at lunchtime on March 18, 2025, near the exit of Academy Drive and Alabama Adventure.(contribution)
The candlelight vigil will be held to commemorate tonight's summer ahead of his funeral, which is set on Saturday.
In addition to grieving the loss of their loved ones, Summer's family and Bessemer police are trying to find out who dropped the equipment.
“This isn't someone who throws a cup out the window or typical,” said Lee Wendell Lauder, a family lawyer.
“This is a major commercial product that you can't lose without realizing it's gone.”
“There's still a dangerous and reckless driver on the road and apparently believes he or she might be able to lie down low and get away, which is an extreme concern about how dangerous he is as dangerous as what he left in the street,” said Rauder.
The wreck happened on I-59/20 near Academy Drive that Tuesday at 12:40pm
Summers was taken to UAB Hospital, where he was declared dead at 2:12pm.
“It was very difficult for his family,” said Rauder.
Terrence Bernard Summers Jr., 24-year-old Bellob's father and barber, was killed at n I-59/20 at lunchtime on March 18, 2025, near the exit of Academy Drive and Alabama Adventure.(contribution)
“He and his father had a particularly special bond,” Lauder said. “It was very difficult.”
Summers loved his family and his work as a barber.
“It was one of his passions,” Lauder said. “And we know that barbers are usually a community hub.
Bessemer police are leading the investigation and the Summers family has also hired private investigators to support them.
“There is a growing consensus that this piece was a blade from a sawmill, and was a blade to cut down wood into timber. It could have been transported to be served,” said Rauder.
Other drivers report that they need to dodge equipment and call 911 just before Summer hits the object.
Terrence Bernard Summers Jr., 24-year-old Bellob's father and barber, was killed at n I-59/20 at lunchtime on March 18, 2025, near the exit of Academy Drive and Alabama Adventure.(contribution)
“It wouldn't have been that big for a long time without multiple calls,” Loader said. “It covered the entire lane and thrusts it into another lane.
“I spoke to people who had to drive on the grass to avoid that,” he said.
The family will hold a candle overnight at the Face Memorial Chapel tonight after a 5pm press conference with Lauder and his family.
His funeral will be held at Faith Memorial on Saturday at 1pm.
Anyone with information about the crash will be asked to call Bessemer Cop L. Baswell at 205-425-2411 or to contact him by email at lbaswell@bessemeral.org.