Carlton Utley, the Colbert County coroner, was caught in a trailer behind his father's truck.
The horrific story of an Alabama coroner who was dragged to his death by a vehicle has become all the more tragic with revelations that his own father had been behind the wheel.
Cops in Florence say Colbert County Coroner Carlton "Heath" Utley, 39, was accidentally dragged to his death Monday after he stepped between his dad's truck and an attached trailer.
Not noticing his son, cops say the father then drove off, unknowingly dragging the husband and father of two with him.
A GoFundMe page has been created to raise money to help Utley's widow Michelle pay for his funeral.
Police have not released the name of Utley's father and say no crime was committed.
"We believe this was an unfortunate accident that occurred in our city," a police official told AL.com.
Watch: Truck Driver Doesn't Realize He's Dragging Car Along Highway for a Half Mile
In addition to his work as coroner, Utley was a volunteer firefighter in the town of Spring Valley and a paramedic.
"Thank you for the prayers and thoughts," the Spring Valley Volunteer Fire Department posted on Facebook. "All of us here in Spring Valley Volunteer Fire Department are terribly saddened at our loss."
Watch: Dog Saved Owner's Life After She Fell Off a Horse and Was Dragged Half a Mile
