TUPELO, MS – On December 10 and December 11, 2020, at approximately 8:30 pm and 12:50 am, Natchez Trace Parkway rangers responded to two separate crashes in the Tupelo area.
The first crash, involving three vehicles, resulted in the death of the only occupant Jermaine Terrel, 37, of Booneville, MS. Preliminary information indicates that Terrel’s vehicle was traveling northbound on the Parkway near Milepost 261 when it crossed over the center line. Terrel’s vehicle struck a southbound vehicle with two occupants, causing the southbound vehicle to roll. Terrel’s vehicle was then struck broadside by a second southbound vehicle also occupied by two individuals. Terrel had to be extricated from his vehicle and he was pronounced deceased at the scene.
District Ranger John Hearne
The second crash occurred near Milepost 258. A vehicle, operated by the only occupant, Christina Hair, 31, of Booneville, MS, left the roadway coming to rest in a ditch. Hair was transported to the North Mississippi Medical Center for evaluation. Rangers are actively investigating whether intoxication played a role in the crash.
These crashes are currently under investigation by Parkway Rangers and a reconstruction of the fatal crash is already under way. District Ranger John Hearne stated this is the third traffic crash fatality in the Tupelo area for 2020 and that it fits the profile of many fatalities on the Parkway. “Almost 90% of our fatal crashes occur from drivers leaving their travel lane,” said Hearne, “Drivers need to give the Parkway their undivided attention and be on alert for other drivers.”
Media Release/District Ranger John Hearne/NTP
