Hartselle, Alabama — A wave of grief has swept through the Hartselle community following a tragic car accident that claimed the lives of Ashley Dawn Hagood, 33, and three of her children.
Authorities confirmed that the crash occurred on April 11, 2026, in Moulton, Alabama. Alongside Ashley Dawn Hagood, her children Bryant Christopher Ballew, Bryleigh Grace Pledger, and Brynleigh Nell Pledger also lost their lives.
Another child, Bentley Owen Pledger, survived the crash and remains hospitalized at Children’s of Alabama, where he is receiving medical care.
Community gathers in mourning
In the days following the tragedy, residents gathered for a prayer vigil to honor the victims and support the grieving family. Candles, flowers, and messages of remembrance have been placed throughout the community as a tribute to those lost.
Family members and friends have described Ashley Dawn Hagood as a devoted mother whose life revolved around her children. She worked as an executive assistant at Lektron, Inc., where colleagues remember her for her dedication and strong work ethic.
Remembering a mother and her children
Loved ones say Ashley Dawn Hagood was known for her resilience and compassion, often described as a “Wonder Woman” for her unwavering commitment to her family.
She is survived by her father, Chris Hagood; her brothers, Trevor Hagood, Brian Kemper, and Graham Segrest; her sisters, Bella Graves and Savannah Graves; and her grandmother, Marie Hagood.
She was preceded in death by her children, Bryant Christopher Ballew, Bryleigh Grace Pledger, and Brynleigh Nell Pledger, as well as her grandfather, Lynn Hagood, her grandmother, Teresa Gilbert, and her stepmother, Carolyn Hagood.
Funeral arrangements announced
Funeral services for Ashley Dawn Hagood are scheduled for Saturday, April 18, 2026, at First Methodist Church in Hartselle, with Jon Henderson officiating. Burial will follow at Hartselle Memory Gardens.
Visitation will take place prior to the service, allowing community members to pay their respects and offer support to the family.
Ongoing investigation
Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the crash, as the community focuses on mourning the loss of a mother and her children whose lives were cut short.
As tributes continue, the names of Ashley Dawn Hagood, Bryant Christopher Ballew, Bryleigh Grace Pledger, and Brynleigh Nell Pledger remain at the center of a community united in grief and remembrance.
