The Mississippi Highway Patrol (MHP) has concluded its Thanksgiving enforcement period, reporting two fatal crashes and over 6,000 citations issued during the six-day campaign.
State troopers increased patrol from the Tuesday before Thanksgiving until Sunday at midnight amid record roadway travel numbers. According to a release from the MHP, totals during the enforcement period rounded out at:
- Citations: 6,662
- Seatbelt and child restraint: 629
- Crashes: 187
- Injuries: 48
- Fatal crashes: 2
- Fatalities: 2
- Motorist assisted: 116
Outside the number of motorists assisted during this year’s travel period, numbers were down across the board compared to the 2023 Thanksgiving enforcement period.
Information on the two fatal crashes, which happened in Marshall and Leake counties, was provided by the MHP:
Leake County crash on Nov. 27
At approximately 6:56 p.m., members of Troop H responded to a fatal crash involving a pedestrian on Highway 13.
A 2018 Infinity Q50 driven by 30-year-old Sharayne Hawkins, of Forest, was traveling south when it collided with 30-year-old Devonta Deering, of Lena. Lena was walking south on the highway when struck. He received fatal injuries and was pronounced dead on the scene.
The crash remains under investigation.
Marshall County crash on Dec. 1
At approximately 7:38 p.m., members of Troop E responded to a fatal crash involving a pedestrian on Highway 302.
A 2020 Nissan Maxima driven by 28-year-old Trevan L. Hampton, of Holly Springs, was traveling east when it collided with 62-year-old Sherry K. Nicholson, of Memphis, Tenn. Nicholson was walking in the roadway when struck. She received fatal injuries and was pronounced dead on the scene.
The crash remains under investigation.