Itawamba County, Mississippi – A Friday evening crash at a rural Itawamba County intersection turned deadly when a teenage passenger was killed and several others were injured. Authorities say two vehicles collided just after 5 p.m., sending multiple people to hospitals in Mississippi, Alabama, and Tennessee.
The incident remains under investigation by state troopers as officials work to determine what led to the collision.
Incident Overview
According to the Mississippi Highway Patrol, the crash occurred at approximately 5:02 p.m. Friday at the intersection of Highway 76 and Highway 23 in Itawamba County. The collision involved two passenger vehicles traveling on intersecting roadways.
One child died at the scene, while four adults and children required medical treatment following the impact.
Timeline of Events
Preliminary information from investigators indicates that a 2016 Chrysler 200 was traveling westbound on Highway 76 when it entered the intersection and struck a 2016 Kia Optima moving northbound on Highway 23.
Emergency responders arrived shortly after the crash was reported. Due to the number of injured occupants, multiple ambulances and air medical resources were dispatched to the scene.
Details From Police and Officials
Troopers identified the driver of the Chrysler as 22-year-old Kelli Franklin of Hernando. She sustained injuries in the crash and was transported to a hospital in Tupelo, Mississippi, for treatment.
The Kia Optima was driven by 36-year-old Wendy Mayhall of Tremont. Authorities said she was also injured and taken to a hospital in Red Bay, Alabama.
Four children were passengers in the Kia at the time of the collision.
Victim Identified
One child was pronounced dead at the scene. The Itawamba County Coroner’s Office later identified the victim as 14-year-old Gavin Boswell.
“The juvenile victim has been identified as Gavin Boswell, age 14, who was pronounced deceased at the scene,” said Itawamba County Coroner Sheila Summerford.
The announcement brought an outpouring of grief from the local community as details of the crash became public.
Condition of Other Children
In addition to the fatality, three other children suffered injuries of varying severity.
Officials said one child was transported by ambulance to a hospital in Red Bay, Alabama, while two children were airlifted to Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee, a regional trauma center specializing in pediatric care.
Authorities have not released the ages or current medical conditions of the surviving children.
Ongoing Investigation
The Mississippi Highway Patrol confirmed that the crash remains under investigation, with troopers examining factors such as vehicle speed, right-of-way, and road conditions at the time of the collision. No charges have been announced, and officials have not indicated whether impairment or mechanical failure played a role.
Additional information may be released as investigators complete their reconstruction of the crash.
Intersection Safety and Public Awareness
Crashes at rural highway intersections can be especially severe due to higher travel speeds and limited visibility. Safety experts recommend drivers approach intersections with caution, reduce speed, and remain alert for cross traffic, particularly in areas where highways intersect without traffic signals.
Officials also urge drivers to ensure that all passengers, especially children, are properly restrained and seated according to age and size requirements to reduce the risk of serious injury.
Conclusion
The deadly Itawamba County crash underscores the devastating consequences of roadway collisions, particularly when children are involved. As investigators work to determine what caused the crash, the community is left mourning the loss of 14-year-old Gavin Boswell and hoping for the recovery of the injured.
Anyone with additional information related to the crash is encouraged to contact law enforcement. Share your experiences in the comments below.
