Tuscaloosa County, Alabama – An Alabama woman has been sentenced to 20 years in prison for a devastating 2021 crash that killed a pregnant mother of four and left her children with severe, life-altering injuries. Prosecutors say the driver, Anna Dalrymple, was under the influence of multiple drugs when she crossed the center line and slammed head-on into the victim’s vehicle. One of the children, now 17, told the court he will “never grow anymore” due to the extent of his injuries.
Incident Overview
The crash occurred in July 2021 near the 212-mile marker on U.S. Highway 43. According to the Alabama Law Enforcement Highway Patrol, a 2007 Volvo XC90 driven by Dalrymple crossed the center line and collided head-on with a 2012 Honda Pilot driven by 36-year-old Audra Rogers, who was pregnant with her fifth child at the time. Rogers died at the scene, and all four of her sons suffered serious injuries.
Dalrymple was also driving with her infant daughter, who was injured during the impact.
According to investigators, the crash was caused by a “cocktail of drugs” in Dalrymple’s system—confirmed by a toxicology screen showing Xanax, Klonopin, methadone, and gabapentin.
Timeline of Events
Authorities say Dalrymple’s SUV began drifting across the dividing line moments before Rogers attempted to steer away. Despite her efforts to avoid the oncoming vehicle, she could not move out of the Volvo’s path in time. Prosecutors later emphasized that Dalrymple’s impaired state rendered her unfit to be behind the wheel.
Senior Assistant District Attorney Corey Seale stated:
“She was high at the time of the crash. She had no reason or business driving.”
Victims’ Statements in Court
Inside the courtroom on Monday, the surviving children delivered emotional victim-impact statements. Roman Pruitt, now 17, explained how the crash permanently altered his life.
“I will never grow anymore,” Roman told the court.
He revealed that doctors were forced to break his other growth plate as part of a complex surgery after he suffered broken growth plates in both legs. His brother Reed Pruitt sustained a broken femur, concussion, and ruptured spleen in the collision.
Reed also spoke through tears, saying:
“I miss the fun birthdays with my mom and my brothers.”
Details From Officials
Prosecutors argued that Dalrymple’s impaired state directly caused the fatal collision. The court heard that she was driving with her infant daughter, risking not only the lives of the Rogers family but also her own child.
Dalrymple pleaded guilty to reckless murder and first-degree assault on Sept. 30 as part of a plea agreement. Additional charges, including domestic violence and multiple counts of first-degree assault, were dismissed under the deal.
Key Facts
- Victim: Audra Rogers, 36
- Date of Crash: July 2021
- Location: U.S. Highway 43, 212-mile marker
- Charges: Reckless murder; first-degree assault
- Sentence: 20 years with a 5-year split; additional 10 years + 2-year split running consecutively
- Substances Found: Xanax, Klonopin, methadone, gabapentin
Remembering the Victim
Rogers’ family described her as a deeply devoted mother, accomplished athlete, and respected member of the community. According to her obituary, she had been crowned Ms. Alabama Tourism 2021 and was a three-time state record holder in powerlifting.
Her mother, Katie Bramlett, shared an emotional memory in court:
“Those kids were her whole life… She would work nights so they never had to go to day care. Nobody was taking care of her kids but her.”
Safety Awareness: The Deadly Impact of Drug-Impaired Driving
This case underscores the extreme dangers of driving under the influence of prescription or illegal substances. Drug-impaired driving significantly slows reaction time, impairs judgment, and increases the likelihood of fatal collisions. Authorities in Alabama continue urging drivers to recognize the risks and avoid operating vehicles when under the influence of any mind-altering substances.
Conclusion
The sentencing brings some closure to a family forever changed by a preventable tragedy. While Dalrymple apologized in court and expressed remorse, the emotional and physical scars left on the Rogers children will last a lifetime.
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