Pedestrian Collecting Mail Struck by Woman Texting in F-150 Truck Accident

While distracted by her cellphone, an Alabama woman collided with a 55-year-old man, resulting in his death as he “checked his mail,” then she drove away without stopping, according to police reports.

Tammy Albanese, 56, hailing from Astor, has been sentenced to several years in prison following her guilty plea on Monday regarding the tragic hit-and-run death of Teddy Eugene Self on September 22, 2022, as reported by AL.com. She received a 20-year prison sentence for reckless manslaughter, with a chance for parole after serving three years. Additionally, she was found guilty of leaving the scene of an accident involving injury or death, resulting in a 10-year sentence, with parole eligibility after two years, according to local sources.

The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office stated in a press release that Self was fatally struck while “checking his mail” on Lock 17 Road in Bessemer that Thursday around 2:15 p.m.

“Upon reviewing the case submitted by Sheriff’s Investigators, the Jefferson County District Attorney’s Office issued warrants against 53-year-old Tammy Albanese, also from Bessemer,” the sheriff’s office confirmed.

Investigators examined Albanese’s phone records and found evidence that she was texting when her black F-150 hit Self, as reported by AL.com. Self was crossing the road to retrieve his mail at that time. He was declared dead less than 15 minutes later by emergency personnel, according to their reports.

A tip from the public wound up leading cops to Albanese, who was arrested and booked on the manslaughter charge on Sept. 28, 2022. She was released on a $45,000 bond after her arrest and taken back into custody on Monday after entering her guilty plea.

According to AL.com, Albanese is scheduled to be transferred to a state prison this week.