Authorities say driver was speeding and under the influence in July wreck that claimed young athletes’ lives
By SPEAKIN’ OUT NEWS
(LEFT) Kamden Ryan Willis, 19, has been charged with two counts of reckless murder in a July crash that killed Corner High School graduates Treylen Floyd and Tristan “Tink” Cox. Authorities say Willis was speeding and driving under the influence when his truck left the road. (Photo Credit: Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office)
A 19-year-old Jefferson County man has been charged in connection with a summer crash that killed two recent Corner High School graduates and injured six others.
Kamden Ryan Willis faces two counts of reckless murder with extreme indifference to human life in the July 20 deaths of Tristan Drake “Tink” Cox, 19, and Treylen Anderson Floyd, 18. Both victims were members of the Corner High School Class of 2025, remembered as talented student athletes and beloved members of their community.
Willis was booked into the Jefferson County Jail on Friday, jail records show. Authorities said Willis was driving under the influence and speeding when his pickup truck left the road and struck a utility pole.
Deputies with the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office responded to the scene on Mt. Olive Road near Partridge Looparound 2:58 a.m. Floyd and Cox were pronounced dead at 3:24 a.m.
Six others — Willis and five females ages 16 to 19 — were taken to UAB Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Investigators said the truck carried eight people total, and the crash caused extensive damage.
Floyd and Cox were both known for their hard work and leadership. Floyd played football and basketball and had just started working as a welder, a job he called his dream. Cox, who graduated from the Academy of Craft, also earned a welding certificate and loved fishing, playing pickleball, and showing off his white Chevy Silverado at truck meets.
Their deaths brought an outpouring of grief across northwest Jefferson County.
“I am deeply saddened by the loss of two of our graduates from the Corner High School class of 2025,” said Superintendent Walter Gonsoulin. “They will rally around the families and support them as they deal with this unimaginable loss.”
Gardendale Mayor Stan Hogeland added, “My heart breaks for the families of the kids and the entire Corner community. Please pray for all involved.”