A tragic incident unfolded this morning near the BF Goodrich plant in Tuscaloosa when a car fatally struck Dr. Elliot Rampulla during his early morning bike ride. The 66-year-old physician, well-known for his work at the Wellness Center on Queen City Avenue, met a sudden and untimely end in the accident, as confirmed by a witness at the scene.
According to Tuscaloosa County Metro Homicide Unit commander Capt. Loyd Baker, the fatal collision occurred in the pre-dawn hours as Dr. Rampulla was cycling from 21st Street towards the Black Warrior Parkway, and was struck by a northbound driver. The driver initially paused for a brief moment before resuming their journey along the parkway, subsequently losing control of their vehicle and causing further damage and injury.
Described as a caring and dedicated professional by his office manager Debra Hughes, Dr. Rampulla specialized in pain management and anesthesiology, having graduated from Wake Forest University School of Medicine in 1972. His commitment to his patients, many of whom sought treatment for chronic pain and drug addiction, was deeply appreciated by those who interacted with him regularly.
In the wake of this heartbreaking loss, the atmosphere at Dr. Rampulla’s office grew heavy with grief as colleagues and patients struggled to come to terms with the news. Amidst the somber mood, there was a sense of unity as other medical professionals volunteered to step in and assist with the care of Dr. Rampulla’s patients who had appointments scheduled for the week.
Remembered fondly by his team for his kindness and generosity, Dr. Rampulla made a lasting impact on those around him, including his newest employee, receptionist Jan Strickland, who spoke of his compassion and the positive influence he had on both his staff and patients.
This unfortunate event serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the profound impact that one individual can have on those they interact with. Dr. Rampulla’s legacy as a caring physician and compassionate human being will be cherished by those whose lives he touched.