Jabril Grier, 33, lost his life in a terrible single-vehicle collision late on Thursday evening, November 27, 2025, and Albany is in shock. The collision occurred on Washington Avenue Extension close to the Crossgates Mall flyover just before midnight.
Albany Police and fire crews arrived to find Jabril’s vehicle heavily damaged after striking a guardrail and overturning. Despite rapid response and life-saving efforts, he was pronounced dead at the scene.
Investigators say speed appears to have been a factor, though the exact cause remains under review by the Albany Police Traffic Safety Unit. No other vehicles were involved, and toxicology results are pending. The roadway was closed for several hours while crews cleared the wreckage and reconstructed the incident.
Jabril grew up in Albany’s Pine Hills and West Hill neighborhoods, where everyone knew him for his easy smile and willingness to help anyone in need. A 2010 graduate of Albany High School, he stayed close to home, working locally and staying tight with childhood friends who became family.
He poured his heart into being a devoted father, brother and son, always the first to show up with a grill for a cookout or a ride when someone was stranded. Jabril loved music, cars, and spending weekends with his daughter, teaching her everything from tying shoes to shooting hoops. His laugh was contagious, and his hugs were the kind that made a bad day better.
Too soon, Albany lost one of its own. Words cannot express the void left by Jabril Grier’s unexpected departure, but his generosity, love, and the memories he left behind will live on in everyone he touched. The family will make funeral plans public. The Capital Region supports and prays for his loved ones in the meantime. Jabril, take it easy. You won’t be forgotten by the city.