Local News
Voletta Wallace, Mother of The Notorious B.I.G., Passes Away at 72
Her cause of death has been attributed to natural causes.
Voletta Wallace, the mother of legendary rapper The Notorious B.I.G., has passed away at the age of 72.
According to Monroe County Coroner Thomas Yanac, Wallace died on Friday morning in Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, while in hospice care.
Her cause of death has been attributed to natural causes.
Wallace dedicated much of her life to preserving and honoring her sonโs legacy following his tragic 1997 murder.
As the overseer of Biggieโs estate, she played a crucial role in managing his assets and ensuring that his wealth was passed down to his family, including his daughter, Tโyanna Wallace.
Under her stewardship, Biggieโs estate grew significantly, expanding from an estimated $10 million at the time of his death to a current valuation of approximately $160 million.
A steadfast advocate for her sonโs legacy, Wallace celebrated Biggieโs induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and frequently shared updates about his enduring impact on music and culture.
Her social media presence was largely dedicated to her sonโs achievements, promoting his foundation, streaming milestones, tribute concerts, and cultural tributes.
In 2009, she played an instrumental role in the release of the biopic “Notorious,” emphasizing the importance of sharing Christopher Wallaceโs story with the world.
Born Christopher Wallace, The Notorious B.I.G. was fatally shot in Los Angeles in 1997, just months after the death of fellow rap icon Tupac Shakur.
His motherโs unwavering dedication ensured that his legacy continued to thrive for generations.
Local News
Three Killed in Highway 61 Crash Near Walls, Mississippi; Victims Identified as Latasha Dodson, Eddie Dodson, and Tamenshia Ford
WALLS, Mississippi โ Three people were killed in a serious collision Wednesday evening near U.S. Highway 61 and Church Road in Walls, leaving multiple families grieving and a community mourning the sudden loss of their loved ones.
According to the Mississippi Highway Patrol, the crash occurred at approximately 8:04 p.m. and involved a 2021 Honda Accord and another vehicle driven by 27-year-old DaโQuarius M. Burton of Memphis, Tennessee.
Authorities identified the three people who died inside the Honda Accord as:
- Latasha N. Dodson, 37, of Horn Lake
- Eddie L. Dodson, 41, of Byhalia
- Tamenshia R. Ford, 32, of Horn Lake
All three victims were pronounced dead at the scene.
The crash also left two people injured. DaโQuarius M. Burton, who was driving the other vehicle, survived the collision, as did a fourth occupant of the Honda Accord whose identity has not yet been released.
Both survivors were transported to a nearby hospital for medical treatment. Officials have not provided an update on their conditions.
The circumstances leading up to the collision remain under investigation by the Mississippi Highway Patrol.
The tragedy has also deeply affected local law enforcement and public service communities. The DeSoto County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that one of its juvenile detention officers was among those who died in the crash. Another employee was seriously injured.
In a statement, the Sheriff’s Office remembered its fallen employee as a respected and beloved member of the team who demonstrated kindness, compassion, and dedication to the young people entrusted to their care.
The department also recognized the lasting difference the employee made through their work and the positive influence they had on others.
Officials have not publicly identified which of the three victims worked for the Sheriff’s Office.
The Walls Police Department also confirmed that one of its patrol officers was involved in the collision. However, the department has not clarified the officer’s condition or released additional information about the circumstances surrounding their involvement.
The crash has therefore brought grief and concern to several public safety agencies, including the DeSoto County Sheriff’s Office and the Walls Police Department.
The Mississippi Highway Patrol is continuing to investigate the crash near Highway 61 and Church Road. Authorities have not released a determination about what caused the vehicles to collide.
Further information may become available as investigators review the circumstances of the incident and complete their work.
The deaths of Latasha N. Dodson, Eddie L. Dodson, and Tamenshia R. Ford represent an enormous loss for their families, friends, and everyone who knew them.
Three individuals from different communities have now been lost in a single devastating incident. Their loved ones are left to face the difficult days ahead while holding on to the memories they shared.
The loss has also been felt by colleagues and members of the local public safety community, particularly those mourning the juvenile detention officer remembered for compassion and dedication to young people.
During this painful time, thoughts are with the families of all three victims, the injured survivors, and the employees of the DeSoto County Sheriff’s Office and Walls Police Department.
May Latasha N. Dodson, Eddie L. Dodson, and Tamenshia R. Ford rest in peace.