David Dobbs Obituary, Trussville Accident Death: Mourns Loss Of A Teacher, Wife Critically Injured
With a heavy heart and profound sorrow, the Trussville community is mourning the tragic loss of David Dobbs, a longtime Hewitt-Trussville High School coach and science teacher whose decades of dedication helped shape generations of students and athletes.
Authorities say Dobbs was killed in a crash Wednesday morning, April 15, 2026, on Interstate 59 southbound near the 138 mile marker in Jefferson County, following a multi-vehicle collision involving a commercial vehicle. His wife, Anita Dobbs, was also involved in the crash and is currently hospitalized in critical condition. The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) reported the crash occurred at approximately 9:07 a.m., and it remains under investigation.
Dobbs spent more than 30 years at Hewitt-Trussville High School, where he built the foundation of one of Alabama’s most respected track and cross-country programs. Even after retiring as head varsity track coach in 2020, he continued to serve as an assistant, mentoring student-athletes and supporting the program he helped create. Under his leadership, Hewitt-Trussville became a statewide powerhouse. His teams captured multiple state titles, including standout seasons in 1999 and 2021, and more than 90 student-athletes earned college scholarships.
His contributions were widely recognized, earning him the AHSAA Class 7A “Making a Difference” Award in 2020 and induction into the Alabama High School Sports Hall of Fame (2021–22 class). Beyond championships, colleagues and officials remember Dobbs as a mentor whose influence extended far beyond athletics.
Hewitt-Trussville athletics director Lance Walker said Dobbs “represented everything that was right about high school athletics,” emphasizing his lifelong commitment to students, relationships, and community impact. Mayor Ben Short described him as “a great man, a mentor, and truly one of the best human beings you could ever meet,” noting that Trussville is a better place because of his leadership and service.
Dobbs remained active in civic life after retirement, continuing to serve students and families through school support efforts and community involvement. His legacy is further honored through the creation of the David and Anita Dobbs Scholarship, established to recognize their lifelong dedication to youth development and education.
As news of the crash spreads, the Trussville community is left grieving an irreplaceable loss while holding onto hope for Anita Dobbs’ recovery. Family, friends, former students, and colleagues are mourning a man remembered not only as a coach and teacher but as a guiding force who shaped lives for more than three decades.
Now, Trussville stands in sorrow—honoring David Dobbs’ legacy, praying for Anita Dobbs, and remembering a life defined by service, leadership, and lasting impact.