One Killed In Bypass Crash
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Water Valley Police officer Jaryn Gooch motions for onlookers to back up as first responders check on the occupant inside the white Chevrolet car following a two-vehicle crash at the intersection of Hwy. 315 and Hwy. 7 last Thursday. The driver of the vehicle was killed.
WATER VALLEY – A 42 year-old Water Valley man was killed in a two-vehicle crash on the bypass last Thursday afternoon, May 8. Yalobusha County Coroner Ronnie Stark reported Antonie Hilliard was pronounced dead at the scene.
The crash is under investigation by the Water Valley Police Department. Chief Jason Mangrum reported a Nissan Pathfinder driven by Connie Emel of Coffeeville was traveling south on Hwy. 7 when it collided with a Chevrolet Impala driven by Hilliard, who was traveling on Hwy. 315 crossing Hwy. 7 coming into the city. Emel sustained minor injuries in the crash.
Mangrum reported first responders requested a helicopter and were attempting to stabilize Hilliard at the scene when he died.
“He passed away before they could get him out of the vehicle,” Mangrum added.
The chief thanked the Mississippi Highway Patrol and Yalobusha County Sheriff’s Department for assisting at the scene.
“Troopers assisted with the investigation,” Mangrum added. “It was a tough scene and a tragic accident. In a small town our officers don’t see this often.”
Visitation for Hilliard is scheduled Friday, May 11, from 1 to 5 p.m. at Springhill North M.B. Church in Water Valley. The service will follow on Saturday, May 12, at the gym at Water Valley High School at 2 p.m. L Hodges Funeral Service is in charge of arrangements.
The fatal crash came during a busy afternoon for law enforcement officers. Officers also worked a minor two-vehicle crash on Central Street later that afternoon. Mangrum reported a vehicle was backing out a residence and struck an oncoming vehicle.
Shortly before noon on May 8, Yalobusha County deputies responded to a disturbance on County Road 224. When deputies arrived, Zachary Beard threatened them with a handgun, stating they would have to kill him.
Sheriff Jerimaine Gooch reported a perimeter was established with assistance from Water Valley police officers. Also assisting were the Lafayette County and Oxford Police Department swat teams and Beard was arrested without incident following a standoff that lasted into the afternoon.
“I would like to thank the Lafayette County Sheriff’s Department, Oxford Police Department, Water Valley Police Department and Yalobusha County EMS for responding to this incident,” Gooch added.
