Community works together to support injured deputy

BY JOHN BRICE AND DANIEL SCHMIDT

THE LAFAYETTE SUN

CHAMBERS COUNTY — As details about a car accident involving seriously-injured Chambers County Sheriff Deputy Colby Conway continue to emerge, community members are rallying to support him and his family with money for medical costs, food and other expenses.

During a fundraiser in Valley at Daniel’s Drive Inn on March 28, volunteers sold two kinds of peanuts — regular and Cajun — to help raise the necessary funds while he remains hospitalized.

Karlee Hadaway, a family friend who helped organize the fundraiser, said she was excited to see the community’s large, supportive response.

“He was actually about to start a boiled peanut business before the wreck,” Hadaway said. “[The fundraiser was] a lot better than we expected. We had a great turnout today. We put the word out through social media and Facebook, and a lot of people came out. Some of his coworkers came and helped with the fundraiser, and family members [supported] as well.”

She also expressed her appreciation for Daniel’s Drive Inn, whose owners are friends with Conway, for hosting the event.

“We’re taking it day by day,” Hadaway said. “We’re just thankful for everybody that came out today and supported Colby. We love him, and we’re just going to keep on praying for everybody that was involved.”

On the evening of March 14, Conway and a Valley police officer — who were both off duty at the time — were involved in a serious collision with another driver near the intersection of Chambers County Road 186 (F.O.P. Road) and 20th Street SW.

In an interview with WRBL, Chambers County Sheriff Jeff Nelson said the other driver sustained “minor injuries,” received treatment at a local hospital and was later released.

According to Nelson, the driver died around a week after the accident from what he characterized as “unknown issues.”

The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency is currently investigating the accident to determine the circumstances surrounding the accident and if the victim died from injuries related to the crash.

Those who wish to donate to Conway’s recovery fund may send money through Venmo to @Ccspeanutwagon. All proceeds will go directly to Conway and his family.

A separate online fundraiser organized by State Rep. Kristin Nelson, R-Lanett, aims to help Conway’s family with meals. As of March 30, that fundraiser has raised $2,975 of its original $1,000 goal.

“Our brother in blue, Colby Conway, was injured in a car accident,” Nelson’s Facebook post promoting the fundraiser read. “He and his family could use our support as he works hard to make a full recovery. Continued prayers for Colby, Taylor and their entire family.”

Donations to that fundraiser may be made here: www.mealtrain.com/trains/v6109y.