Questions remain about a fatal 2023 crash involving former Gurley police officer

GURLEY, Alabama (WAFF) – Questions remain more than a year after a police chase led to a fatal crash on Jordan Lane in Huntsville. The crash claimed the life of innocent driver Matthew Norwood in July 2023.

Former Gurley police officer Christopher Whalen has since been charged with manslaughter for his part in the chase.

According to police, the pursuit began in Hollywood, Alabama, when the driver of a Nissan Maxima made a traffic violation near a police station, drawing the officer’s attention.

Hollywood police and Jackson County deputies chased the suspect to the Madison County line. From there, the officers and their deputies withdrew from the chase, and Velen took over.

Authorities say Whalen followed the suspect onto Jordan Lane in Huntsville, where he crashed his vehicle into Matthew Norwood’s vehicle, killing him.

WAFF 48 was working to find out what happened to the suspect Whalen was chasing.

Alabama law enforcement officials referred our questions to Gurley police on Friday.

When we reached out, the city attorney told us to contact the Huntsville Police Department.

An HPD spokesperson said they will look into the investigation, however, they do not believe Huntsville officers made any arrests that night and referred all questions back to Gurley officers.

It is still unknown whether the suspect who initiated the chase was taken into custody at all.

Velen, who resigned from the Hurley Police Department earlier this year, is currently in custody.

His trial is scheduled for February 2025.

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