In the winter of 2020, the life of 17-year-old Lindsey Motes of Chelsea was cut tragically short. A young woman with a bright future, she had been accepted to Troy University with plans to major in nursing and a dream of one day enlisting in the Air Force. Described as a beautiful soul both inside and out, Lindsey's presence could illuminate even the darkest of rooms. She was known for her infectious laughter, her joking nature, and a smile that was as big as her love for family and friends.
A passionate and competitive spirit, she enjoyed sports, games, and the outdoors.
On the evening of December 13, 2020, Lindsey was a passenger in a 2009 Infiniti G37, traveling with a group of friends on Billingsley Road in Sylacauga. The vehicle, which belonged to 20-year-old Christian Ryan Hickman of Alpine, was traveling at a high rate of speed. The driver's actions caused the car to leave the roadway and collide with a power pole. The impact of the crash ejected Lindsey from the vehicle.
First responders from the Sylacauga Ambulance Service arrived at the scene to find a devastating sight. Lindsey Motes was pronounced deceased at the location of the accident. The Sylacauga Police Department immediately began an investigation into the fatal crash. Based on evidence gathered, which indicated that excessive speed was a primary factor in the accident, investigators moved forward with legal action against the driver.
In the months following the crash, a warrant was issued for the arrest of Christian Ryan Hickman. He subsequently turned himself in to the authorities. Hickman was charged with manslaughter in connection with Lindsey's death. After being processed on the warrant signed by a Sylacauga Police Department investigator, he was released on a $15,000 bond. The charge of manslaughter, a Class B felony, carries a potential prison sentence of two to 20 years.
