Limestone County, AL – An Alabama truck driver has been indicted on murder and DUI charges after allegedly causing a deadly 27-mile rampage along Interstate 65 earlier this year. Authorities say the driver, John McAdams, 31, admitted to drinking tequila from a water bottle and consuming kratom before plowing his 18-wheeler into multiple vehicles, leaving one person dead and several others injured.
The Incident: “27 Miles of Terror” on I-65
The series of crashes occurred on May 6, during rush hour, when McAdams drove his 2000 Peterbilt tractor-trailer northbound on Interstate 65, striking multiple vehicles in a chaotic sequence prosecutors have described as “27 miles of terror.”
According to crash reports, McAdams pulled his truck over near the 365-mile marker to drink tequila and take kratom, a banned herbal stimulant in Alabama. He told investigators he consumed half a teaspoon to one tablespoon of the substance before taking a nap.
“After waking up, he got back on the road but did not remember the specific details of when or why,” investigators wrote.
Moments later, McAdams reportedly reentered the highway traveling 85 mph and slammed into his first victim, the driver of a sedan. Witness cellphone footage showed the truck swerving across lanes and colliding with multiple vehicles in rapid succession.
Investigation and Evidence
A grand jury indictment this week charged McAdams with one count of murder, six counts of leaving the scene of an accident, one count of driving under the influence, and one count of trafficking synthetic drugs.
Authorities say McAdams’ actions caused at least eight separate crashes before he lost control and brought his truck to a stop. His blood alcohol content (BAC) was measured at .09, more than double the .04 limit allowed for commercial drivers.
The final crash proved fatal for 22-year-old William Hardrick, an Adamsville native and former college football player for Austin Peay State University and Miami University (Ohio).
Hardrick’s vehicle was struck roughly six miles after the first collision, forcing him off the road and into a ditch. His car hit a wildlife fence and guardrail, rolling several times before coming to rest upside down. Hardrick was partially ejected and pronounced dead at the scene.
Charges and Court Proceedings
McAdams was formally indicted on Wednesday in Limestone County Circuit Court and is being held without bond. Prosecutors said the string of crashes demonstrated reckless disregard for human life.
“This was not a single accident — it was a 27-mile trail of destruction,” said a state attorney. “One man’s reckless decisions left a young athlete dead and countless others traumatized.”
McAdams also faces drug trafficking charges for possessing kratom, which is illegal in Alabama, classified as a Schedule I controlled substance. Investigators noted that kratom, when mixed with alcohol, can cause drowsiness, confusion, and loss of motor control—factors that likely contributed to McAdams’ impaired driving.
Victim and Community Response
William Hardrick, remembered by teammates and coaches as a hardworking and humble athlete, was driving home when his life was cut short. Friends described him as “a light in every room” and a rising star in the college football community.
Austin Peay officials released a statement expressing condolences:
“Our thoughts are with William’s family and loved ones. He was a valued member of our team, and his loss is deeply felt by everyone who knew him.”
Residents along the I-65 corridor who witnessed the wrecks said they saw smoke, debris, and wrecked vehicles spread across multiple exits. Some described it as “pure chaos”, while others assisted victims before emergency responders arrived.
Background and Legal Context
Under Alabama law, a murder charge can be filed in DUI cases if prosecutors prove that the driver acted with extreme indifference to human life. McAdams’ alleged use of both alcohol and controlled substances, combined with his commercial license responsibilities, made the case eligible for an elevated charge.
If convicted, McAdams faces life in prison on the murder count, as well as additional penalties for drug trafficking and hit-and-run offenses. His trial date has not yet been scheduled.
Ongoing Developments and Next Steps
McAdams’ 18-wheeler, a red Peterbilt, was later found engulfed in flames after the final collision. He reportedly agreed to field sobriety tests, which revealed multiple signs of impairment.
Investigators from the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) and the Limestone County District Attorney’s Office are continuing to reconstruct the chain of crashes to determine the full extent of property damage and injuries.
Prosecutors have urged other drivers involved in the wrecks to come forward with additional evidence or dashcam footage.
Conclusion
The deadly highway rampage has reignited debate about drug-impaired commercial driving and the dangers of kratom use among truckers. As the case proceeds through court, prosecutors say they will seek maximum accountability for the devastation caused.
John McAdams remains in custody without bond as the families of victims, including that of William Hardrick, continue to seek justice for what officials are calling “27 miles of terror.”
What are your thoughts on this case and the charges against McAdams? Share your opinions in the comments below.
