Atmore man killed instantly when SUV slams into vehicle
By DON FLETCHER
News Staff Writer
An Atmore man was killed instantly on March 6 when a Monroe County man reportedly lost control of his SUV on Alabama 21 and slammed head-on into the local man’s sedan.
Alabama State Troopers reported that Anthony Edward Dunkin, 33, was pronounced dead at the scene. The crash happened around 2 p.m., about four miles north of Atmore. Dunkin has for the past five years been a bus driver for the Escambia County School System,
Trooper reports show that Dunkin, who reportedly had just conducted a prison ministry session and was headed to the Atmore bus shop to run his route, was southbound in a 2005 Honda Civic. He was killed when a northbound 2004 Chevrolet Trailblazer, driven by Crory Tyrail White, 27, of Frisco City, “crossed over into the southbound lane and struck the Honda.”
White reportedly suffered serious injuries and was flown by medical evacuation helicopter to Sacred Heart Hospital in Pensacola. His condition was not known at Tuesday’s press deadline, but a trooper reported early this week that he was “still living.”
Troopers said initial reports were inaccurate that White was trying to pass several cars when the collision occurred, that the Frisco City man actually “drifted off the right-hand side of the roadway and over-corrected, coming back on the roadway” and into the path of Dunkin’s car.
“There was no passing or attempts to pass,” said ALEA Sgt. Derek Gessner, who added that no charges had been filed by Monday afternoon (March 11) as troopers continued their investigation.
News of Dunkin’s death spread like wildfire, sparking an outpouring of sympathy and remembrance, along with a touch of anger, on social media sites.
Shirley Porter Longmire, whose granddaughter rode Dunkin’s bus, said the late chauffer of school children was “such a caring person,” and Joanie Paul said he was “an amazing soul,” and “an awesome bus driver.” Paul also noted that “our kids loved him dearly.”
Forrest Jones, director of transportation for the county school system, and Billy Mills, foreman of the Atmore bus shop, issued a joint statement on behalf of the department’s employees.
“He was an excellent driver and valued the opportunity to serve and make a difference,” the statement reads. “He was a man of strong faith and witty personality who always went out of his way to try and brighten someone else’s day. Anthony cared deeply about the students that he served, and they cared about him.
“Anthony was someone who others enjoyed knowing and working with. He will be greatly missed.”
A memorial service is planned for 2 p.m. this Saturday, March 16, at The Grand Hotel Golf Resort & Spa in Point Clear, near Fairhope.
Also, a GoFundMe account has been set up to help raise money for Dunkin’s memorial and to purchase a car for his wife, Meghan, (also an ECSS bus driver) so she can “continue her pioneer services.” Those wishing to make donations may do so at gofundme.com/anthony-duncan-memorial.