A Monroe County woman lost her life and her three children were seriously injured after a single-vehicle crash along Highway 25 on Wednesday evening, according to Mississippi authorities.
The victim has been identified as 26-year-old Jakiya Smith of Monroe County. Officials said Smith was driving southbound on Highway 25 at approximately 7:30 p.m. when her SUV left the roadway and collided with a tree south of the Monroe County Airport.
Monroe County Coroner Alan Gurley said the crash occurred less than a mile from Smith’s residence. Emergency responders arrived at the scene and transported Smith to North Mississippi Medical Center-Gilmore in Amory for treatment. Due to the severity of her injuries, she was later transferred to North Mississippi Medical Center in Tupelo, where she succumbed to her injuries.
Three of Smith’s children were passengers in the vehicle when the crash occurred. Authorities said two of the children were airlifted from the Monroe County Airport to the University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson for specialized treatment. A third child was transported to Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital in Memphis.
Officials have not released the ages of the children or provided updates regarding their medical conditions.
The Mississippi Highway Patrol is investigating the crash and has not yet determined what caused the vehicle to leave the roadway. No additional details have been released as investigators continue to examine the circumstances surrounding the fatal accident.
The tragedy has left family members and the local community mourning the loss of a young mother while hoping for the recovery of her injured children. Authorities are expected to provide further information as the investigation progresses.
