LOWNDES COUNTY, Miss. — A head-on collision on Highway 12 near Harris Road Thursday morning has left two people dead and a community in mourning, with Mississippi Highway Patrol investigators working to determine what caused the devastating crash.
The two-vehicle collision occurred around 11 a.m., claiming the life of 16-year-old Braylan Dale, a freshman at Columbus High School, and 32-year-old Breman Shea Woolbright. The crash was so severe that both vehicles were completely totaled.
According to preliminary information from the Mississippi Highway Patrol, Dale was pronounced dead at the scene. Woolbright was transported by ambulance to Baptist Golden Triangle Hospital in critical condition but was later declared dead upon arrival.
The impact forced authorities to close Highway 12 for several hours as troopers and first responders worked the scene. The closure caused significant traffic delays throughout the afternoon.
As of Friday, investigators have not released a cause for the collision. MHP stated the investigation is ongoing, and they are examining all factors, including potential road conditions and driver actions. No additional details about the circumstances leading up to the crash have been made public.
“Any time we have a loss of life, especially involving a young person, it is a tragedy that deeply affects our community,” said Columbus Municipal School District Superintendent, in a statement. “Counselors and support staff will be available at Columbus High for as long as students and staff need.”
Friends and family of Braylan Dale took to social media to express their grief and share memories of the teenager, describing him as a kind and beloved classmate. Woolbright was remembered by friends as a hardworking individual.
The Mississippi Highway Patrol is urging anyone who witnessed the crash or has any information about the events leading up to it to contact their local MHP office or the Golden Triangle Crime Stoppers tip line.
Funeral arrangements for both Braylan Dale and Breman Shea Woolbright are pending.