Huntsville police investigate three deadly weekend crashes

HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (WAFF) - Huntsville police are investigating three deadly crashes that happened within a 13-hour span this weekend, including one that killed a former minor league baseball player.

Matthew Kimbrel, 36, was killed at 8 a.m. Saturday at the intersection of Cove Commons Drive and Highway 431 when his motorcycle hit a dump truck.

Kimbrel was drafted by the Atlanta Braves in 2012 and spent several seasons in the minor league system before retiring.

His former little league coach, Mike Brown, said Kimbrel had the talent to succeed and pushed himself to achieve it.

“He was talented in so many ways, and he was determined to do as good as he can. He always pushed to be as good as he could be at all times,” Brown said.

Brown said Kimbrel grew up surrounded by baseball, with his brothers and parents spending countless hours at the ballpark. Brown said Kimbrel was a kid who made an impact on everyone around him.

“Matt was always good with the other kids. I mean, outright. They were just good kids, and Matt was a fabulous kid. I mean, that’s about all I could say about him. He’s just a fabulous kid, and it’s a great loss. It really is,” Brown said.

Funeral arrangements have not been announced.

Police confirmed a 66-year-old man, Elijah Hunter, was struck and killed Saturday morning on Oakwood Avenue.

Another pedestrian was killed Friday night on North Parkway near Lewis Crew Stadium. That person’s identity has not been made public.

Police said they do not expect to file charges in connection with the three crashes.

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