Wilcox Academy coach among 2 dead in fiery car crash on Highway 43 in Thomasville

Two are dead and four were injured in a fiery crash involving five vehicles on Highway 43 in Thomasville Tuesday afternoon.

Among the dead is Woodie Earl Beck III, 53, according to a press release from the Thomasville Police Department. Ashley Marie Springer MacDonald, 37, was named as the second victim. 

Beck was an assistant football coach at Wilcox Academy. 

"Today, the entire AISA family mourns the loss of Wilcox Academy coach Woodie 'Boo Boo' Beck," said a post on social media by Clarke Preparatory School. "Coach Beck spent his career nurturing young men and women at Patrician Academy, Marengo Academy, South Choctaw Academy, and most recently, Wilcox Academy." 

"He leaves behind a legacy of sportsmanship, excellence and love, and his influence will be greatly missed. Please be in prayer for his family, his loved ones, and all of our friends at Wilcox Academy." 

In a social media post, Thomasville Mayor Sheldon Day said two of the vehicles caught on fire in the crash that happened around 12:30 p.m. Tuesday.

The crash that also involved an 18-wheeler temporarily closed Highway 43 in front of the now-closed Thomasville Regional Medical Center. Day said the injuries of the four sent to area hospitals were non-life threatening.

The press release from the department stated that the truck was owned by 4 U.S. Transportation Company from Chicago, IL. The driver was identified as Andrii Dymterko, 45, of Philadelphia, PA and that the vehicle was also occupied by Denys Kucher, 31, of Warminster, PA.  

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Both men were reportedly in the U.S. on work Visas. Dymterko has been arrested and charged with vehicular manslaughter. He was placed in the Clarke County Jail. 

Additional charges may be added or upgraded during the investigation. 

"I want to first offer my prayers to the families that experienced great lost [sic] due to this careless act and encourage everyone to join me in lifting up this family in prayer," said Police Chief Mitchell Stuckey in the press release. 

"I also want to thank the Thomasville Fire Department, Thomasville Street Department, ALDOT, and EMA Director Roy Waite for everything they did in support yesterday at the scene of the wreck."

Day asked residents to pray for the families and first responders.

“I have been a fireman for over 40 years. This is one of the worst accidents we have ever worked in the City of Thomasville during my career,” he said. “Each of our first responders need your prayers. They are on the front line and did a tremendously professional job today. However, during the process of working an accident like this we see things you cannot unsee. This accident will forever be etched in their minds.”

The cause of the accident is under investigation. There will be more information released as the investigation is completed.

EDIT: This story has been updated with additional information.