News Releases

UPDATE: Traffic Accident Involving Fatality at Sheffield School of Dance

May 16th, 2016

The driver of the traffic accident involving a fatality at Sheffield School of Dance on Friday, May 13, 2016 has been identified as 48-year-old Michael Witherspoon. Preliminary investigation indicates that Witherspoon suffered a medical emergency when his vehicle, a 2002 Tahoe, left the roadway before striking a vehicle in the parking lot and entering the building.

Victim Melanie Petithory, 71, was struck and pronounced deceased at the scene.

A total of nine people were transported to a local hospital for minor injuries. Two children and one adult from inside the building, and Witherspoon and three adult passengers from the 2002 Tahoe were taken by ambulance. Two additional children were taken to the hospital by private vehicle.

Witherspoon was discharged from the hospital yesterday.

This incident is still being investigated by the Mobile Police Department Traffic Safety Unit.

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Charlette Solis
Mobile Police Department
Public Affairs Officer
251-208-1918