Leighton, AL —It is with shared sorrow and heavy hearts that the Leighton community mourns the heartbreaking and untimely passing of Howard Christian “Hank” Staggs, who tragically lost his life in a single-vehicle crash Thursday afternoon along Highway 20, near County Line Road and Pruitt Drive. He was just 44 years old.
According to authorities, the crash occurred shortly after 2 p.m. when the vehicle Staggs was driving left the roadway and struck a tree. Emergency responders arrived swiftly, but despite their efforts, Staggs was pronounced dead at the scene. The cause of the crash remains under investigation by the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency.
Friends and family describe Hank Staggs as a man full of life, generosity, and humor — someone who never met a stranger and was always willing to lend a helping hand. Known for his work ethic and love for his family, Staggs’ presence in the Leighton community was one of steady kindness and quiet strength.
“He was the kind of person you could always count on,” said longtime friend [Name]. “Hank had a way of making everyone feel welcome. He’ll be deeply missed by so many.”
As word of his passing spread, tributes poured in across social media, with neighbors and friends sharing photos, stories, and prayers in his honor. Many expressed disbelief at the suddenness of the loss, describing it as a “gut punch” to the small, tight-knit town.
Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced in the coming days. In the meantime, the community continues to rally around the Staggs family, offering comfort and support as they face this unimaginable loss.
“Hank’s memory will live on in the lives he touched,” said one local resident. “Leighton won’t be the same without him.”