The Gadsden community is grieving after a tragic accident claimed the life of 21-year-old Elizabeth Barnes on Thursday evening, October 2, 2025. According to the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA), the crash occurred along U.S. Highway 411, near mile marker 223, just north of Turkey Town.

Barnes was driving a Lexus SUV when it collided with the rear of a Freightliner log truck, leaving her critically injured. She was rushed to a hospital in Gadsden but, despite all medical efforts, later passed away from her injuries.

Elizabeth Barnes was a beloved student at Auburn University and was known for her bright spirit, her love for learning, and her close ties to her family and church community. The news of her sudden passing has left her family, friends, and loved ones devastated, as they come to terms with the heartbreaking reality of a life taken far too soon.

Authorities have confirmed that troopers are continuing to investigate the cause of the accident. No further details have been released, but the collision serves as another painful reminder of how fragile life can be on the road.

In addition to her academic dedication, Elizabeth was deeply involved in her faith community. Members of First United Methodist Church (FUMC) in Gadsden released a heartfelt message to their congregation, asking for prayers and support for Elizabeth’s family, including Katharine, Brad, Luke, and Kathy Ferguson. The statement described Elizabeth’s death as a tragic loss to the entire church family and emphasized the need for strength, comfort, and togetherness during such a painful time.

“It is with deep sadness that we share Elizabeth Barnes died in a car accident on October 2, 2025. Our heart aches at this tragic loss in our church family. Please keep her loved ones, the children’s department, and FUMC in your prayers in the coming days,” the church wrote in a message to its members.

The church also announced opportunities for the community to come together in prayer and reflection. On Saturday, October 4, the sanctuary will be open from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. for anyone who wishes to come and pray. Later in the day, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., the prayer room’s outside courtyard door will also be open for private reflection.

Furthermore, on Sunday, October 5, the congregation will gather as a church family to worship, mourn together, and find comfort in faith. The church emphasized that while grief is heavy, their belief remains steadfast that nothing can separate them from the love of God in Jesus Christ.

Elizabeth’s death has left an undeniable void, not only in her family but also among her peers at Auburn University, her friends in Gadsden, and her fellow worshippers at FUMC. Her legacy will live on through the love she gave, the joy she brought, and the many lives she touched in her short yet impactful years.

As the investigation continues and funeral arrangements are made, the community will hold tightly to the memory of Elizabeth Barnes—a daughter, student, friend, and beloved young woman whose light will be dearly missed but never forgotten.