Truck driver charged in Alabama crash that killed coach, woman was distracted by phone, records say
A truck driver charged in a horrific Alabama crash that killed two people – including a beloved high school football coach – was distracted when his semi-truck and trailer crashed into four vehicles stopped at a traffic light, according to court records.
Woodie Earl Beck III, 53, and Ashley Marie Springer McDonald, 37, were killed nearly one week ago in the Thomasville wreck. Four others were taken to the hospital but treated and released.
Andrii Dmyterko, 45, is charged with two counts of vehicular homicide.
Charging documents against Dmyterko, who was in the U.S. on a work visa, state he was “distracted by attempting to answer a cellular phone device while a traffic light at U.S. Highway 43/South Industrial Boulevard was red.”
Dmyterko, who was driving a semi-truck owned by 4 US Transportation out of Chicago, has pleaded not guilty to the charges. He is set to appear in court in Clarke County later this month.
The wreck happened at 11:51 a.m. Tuesday, May 6, when Thomasville police say four vehicles were stopped at the red light and were struck by the truck.
Multiple law enforcement agencies responded to the crash.
Beck and McDonald were pronounced dead on the scene.
Woodie Earl Beck III(Contributed)
Beck was an assistant football coach, head softball coach and a physical education teacher at Wilcox Academy in Camden. He leaves behind his wife, Tiffany, two sons and two stepsons.
“Woodie was a beloved dad, husband, son, brother and friend to many,” according to his obituary. “He never took any role he carried lightly, and he held the softest spot in his heart for his Savior.”
“He was the quick-witted man in the room and never spared an ‘I love you.’ He changed the lives of others just by living,” the obituary read. “His overwhelming joy, no doubt, was a reflection of Jesus, and that is where we are able to find peace and hope in the days ahead.”
His funeral is being held today.
Efforts to obtain funeral information for McDonald were not immediately successful.
A lawsuit filed on behalf of one of the injured victims names 4 US Freight LLC, 4 US Transportation Company and 4 US Corporation as defendants, along with Dymterko.

Photo of Nancy Calvert’s wrecked Nissan RougeNancy Calvert Lawsuit
According to the lawsuit, Nancy Calvert was left with serious injuries after her red Nissan Rouge was hit by Dymterko’s truck.
“Following the impact, Calvert was left hanging upside down – strapped in by her seat belt and unable to extract herself from the vehicle,” the complaint says. “Calvert is fortunate to have been pulled from her vehicle by two bystanders, whom she views as heroes and wishes to be able to personally thank.
Shortly after being pulled from her Nissan Rogue, it caught fire and burned. Calvert is blessed to have survived. Calvert was transported by ambulance to Grove Hill Memorial Hospital where she received treatment with additional treatment to come.”
The lawsuit further alleges that Dymterko caused the crash by being, “distracted and/or inattentive and/or impaired.”
Dash cam video of the collision embedded in the lawsuit depicts the truck slamming into four vehicles at a red light. The truck appears to completely crush the first two vehicles before colliding with Calvert’s Nissan.