By DALE JONES

STAFF WRITER

djones@gulfcoastnewspapers.com

 It was truly one of the most horrific accidents anyone in this state could imagine.

Ellen Stacy, the wife of former Alabama running back Siran Stacy, the two children the couple had together, and two of Stacy’s children from a previous marriage were killed just a mile from their home when a drunk driver ran a red light and slammed into their vehicle. The driver, Adam Wayman, who was dying of AIDS, pointed his vehicle at the Stacy’s van and drove into it at 100 mph.

Stacy’s daughter Shelly was his only family member to survive the crash.

Now the beloved Bama star, who was a member of the squad from 1989-91, coming to Tuscaloosa from Coffeyville Community College in Kansas, spends his time spreading a message of hope to anyone who will listen.

On Jan. 23, Stacy returns to the place where he first began his public speaking appearances where he talks about the accident and what God has done in his life since then. The place — Oyster Bay Baptist Church.

“Siran will be speaking at 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. to share his story as well as an inspirational message based upon his experiences in life and God’s word,” said Jerry Peebles, pastor of Oyster Bay Baptist.

According to Peebles, Stacy’s very first speaking engagement, which came just three months following the tragic accident of Nov. 19, 2007, was to the congregation at the Gulf Shores church.

Peebles said it was a lady in the church who expressed her love and concern for Stacy that led him to begin his speaking ministry.

“He was contacted by one of the wives of one of our deacons who had been praying for him,” Peebles said. “She sought out a way to contact him, to share with him her desire to be a prayer partner for him and to help him in any way, and from that came an invitation to come and speak.”

Peebles said since that first speaking engagement following the accident, Stacy has been in demand literally all over the world to come and share his story of hope and life.

While Stacy, 39, put up stellar numbers at Alabama, including 2,113 yards rushing, 27 touchdowns and 62 receptions for 574 yards, his pro career fizzled. He was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles during the second round of the 1992 NFL draft, but was released after only one season. He spent time with the Scottish Claymores in NFL Europe and also played for the Saskatchewan Roughriders in the Canadian Football League.

Now, Siran Stacy travels and speaks about his life and his past struggles with anger, depression and questioning his faith.

Oyster Bay Baptist is located in Gulf Shores, at 4280 Plash Road. From Alabama 59, go west on County Road 4 or County Road 6 to get to the church.

For additional information, call Oyster Bay Baptist Church at 251-968-7805.