Authorities in southern Mississippi are looking into two deadly crashes over the weekend that claimed the lives of two men and left a 15-year-old girl seriously injured.
On Saturday night, just after 9:19 p.m., a 2018 Ford F-150 driven by 63-year-old Melvin Thompson of Hattiesburg veered off westbound Highway 84 in Lincoln County, struck an embankment, and ended up off the roadway. Responders rushed him to King’s Daughters Medical Center in Brookhaven, where he was later declared dead. The stretch of Highway 84 is known for sharp curves and poor visibility after dark, and troopers say they’re examining road conditions, the condition of the vehicle, and other contributing factors as they investigate the crash.
Then, in the early hours of Sunday — around 1:18 a.m. — a second tragedy struck Lawrence County. Mississippi Highway Patrol and a local sheriff’s deputy had attempted to stop a 2015 Nissan Altima driven by 42-year-old Michael Lyons of Vicksburg. Authorities say the stop came after a woman reported her 15-year-old daughter missing. The teen was believed to be with Lyons. When deputies went to take a statement at the teen’s home, Lyons pulled into view and sped away. While fleeing on Highway 43, his vehicle left the road north of East Smith Ferry Road, flipped over multiple times, and came to rest overturned.
Lyons was pronounced dead at the scene. The 15-year-old girl, his passenger, suffered serious injuries and was transported to the University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson for treatment. Her current condition has not been released. Officials say dash cam review is underway, and that the deputy followed procedure and did not use a PIT maneuver during the pursuit.
Both crashes are still under active investigation by the Mississippi Highway Patrol, with the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office assisting in the second case. In Lincoln County, troopers are probing vehicle mechanics, road design, lighting, and other possible factors. In Lawrence County, investigators are also scrutinizing why Lyons was in possession of the missing teen and how the chase unfolded.
These incidents have reopened concerns about the dangers of nighttime driving on rural highways in Mississippi. Officials are urging motorists to slow down in low-visibility conditions, avoid distractions, always wear seatbelts, and remain alert—even on familiar roads. As the investigations proceed, troopers expect more details to emerge in the coming days.