A Priceville police officer and son of reality TV stars Duane and Alice Chapman was placed on administrative leave with pay after a high-speed pursuit crossed town lines into neighboring Hartselle, Alabama, and ended in a crash that killed a 17-year-old boy.
Priceville Police Department officials said 24-year-old Garry Chapman began a pursuit Saturday evening of a vehicle suspected of committing moving violations and of being driven by an intoxicated motorist. The vehicle, authorities say, crossed into Hartselle and collided with a minivan carrying four teenage boys at the intersection of Highway 31 and Highway 36 around 8:30 p.m. on Sept. 6, 2025. Tristan Hollis, 17, who had been riding in the minivan, was transported to a hospital and later pronounced dead.
Hartselle Police identified the driver of the pursued vehicle as Archie Hale, who was seriously injured in the crash and is expected to remain hospitalized for an extended period, according to local reports. Hale was not immediately charged in connection with the deadly collision; authorities said charges are expected as the investigation continues.
Priceville Police Chief Jerry Holmes said placing Chapman on administrative leave is standard protocol while the department conducts an internal inquiry. "I would like to add that we extend our heartfelt thoughts and prayers to all those impacted by this tragedy," Holmes told local media. Hartselle Police Chief Alan McDearmond described the case as "a complex and in-depth investigation" that will take time to conclude.
Three other teens who were in the minivan were hospitalized. Fundraisers for the families identified them as brothers Gavin Prater, 14, and Noah Prater, 16, and Braxton Wales. Reports said Gavin Prater was placed in a pediatric intensive care unit while his brother Noah was in an adult intensive care unit.
Hollis was remembered at a prayer vigil held at Hartselle High School. His obituary noted he had recently received his first car and had just celebrated his 17th birthday. "He was a very polite young man and loved sweet treats," the notice said.
Chapman, who has appeared alongside his parents on their reality programs, is credited with appearances in 33 episodes across three series over 16 years. Social media posts show him in uniform and alongside family members; local officials have declined to discuss operational details about the pursuit beyond confirming that other officers also attempted to stop the vehicle before the crash.
Hartselle police are leading the crash investigation and working with Priceville authorities on the circumstances of the pursuit and the decision to continue across municipal lines. Investigators have said the inquiry will examine the actions of all involved and will not be concluded in the near future.
Officials did not provide an immediate timeline for when the internal review or the crash investigation will be completed. The case has prompted local grief events and fundraising efforts for the injured teens and the family of Hollis while authorities continue to gather evidence and interview witnesses.