By Alabama Public Radio
Alabama – The roadways were much safer than the 17 traffic fatalities predicted by state troopers over the Memorial Day weekend. However, at least four people were killed, including three people who died in a two-vehicle wreck in Conecuh County. Troopers Shane Ted Barnett of Altoona was killed when his vehicle collided with a minivan that was carrying five people late Saturday afternoon. Also killed were the minivan's driver and an 8-year-old passenger. Patricia Ann Straughn and Jakela Straughn were from Lithonia, Georgia. The accident occurred on Interstate 65 about 5 miles north of Evergreen. Saturday morning in Elmore County, 7-year-old Jasiah Eaves was killed in a two-vehicle accident on Alabama 111 after the car he was riding in was struck by another vehicle. Eaves WAS wearing a seat belt.