From the Tribune staff reports
JEFFERSON COUNTY — The new year in Jefferson County began with two traffic fatalities in separate crashes overnight.
Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office Sgt. Joni Money said shortly after 2 a.m. on Friday, January 1, 2021 Jefferson County Sheriff’s Deputies were called to the 1000 Block of Eastern Valley Road to investigate reports that a vehicle had slid off the roadway and struck a home.
“Once on the scene, Deputies found a 26-year-old black male inside the vehicle,” Money said. “Once he was removed from the vehicle, it was determined that he was deceased. No one in the home was injured in the incident.”
Deandre Martez Chambers, 26, of Bessemer, was identified as the victim.
At approximately the same time, Deputies were also called to the 6600 Block of Pocahontas Road on reports that a pedestrian had been struck by a vehicle.
“Deputies responded to find that a female had gotten out of a vehicle and attempted to cross Pocahontas Road,” Money said. “She stepped in front of an oncoming car and was struck. She was pronounced dead at the scene.”
Pamela Deanne Donahoo, 53, of Bessemer, was identified as the victim.
The driver of the oncoming vehicle remained on the scene and is fully cooperating with the investigation.
Jefferson County Detectives are continuing the investigations in both incidents. Money said the Jefferson County Coroner’s Office will verify cause and manner of the deaths.
