Local News
Meagan Livingston and Landon Sanders killed in two-vehicle crash in Milton
MILTON, Florida — A late-night two-vehicle crash in Santa Rosa County has left two teenagers dead and several others injured, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
Authorities identified the victims as Meagan Livingston and Landon Sanders, former students of Milton High School, who were remembered by friends and family as a close-knit couple.
The fatal collision occurred around 11:25 p.m. on April 24 at the intersection of American Farms Road and Cornfield Way in unincorporated Milton.
Preliminary reports indicate a pickup truck carrying six occupants was traveling east on Cornfield Way when it collided with an SUV heading north on American Farms Road.
Following the impact, the pickup truck was forced off course, struck trees along the shoulder, and overturned.
Troopers confirmed that two passengers were ejected from the pickup truck and pronounced dead at the scene.
They were later identified as Livingston and Sanders.
Several other individuals sustained injuries in the crash:
- The pickup truck’s driver, a 20-year-old man from Milton, suffered serious injuries
- A 19-year-old female passenger remains in critical condition
- Two other passengers, ages 18 and 19, sustained serious injuries
All injured victims were transported to nearby hospitals for treatment.
The driver of the SUV, a 57-year-old Milton woman, sustained minor injuries.
No additional occupants were reported in the SUV.
In the wake of the tragedy, a GoFundMe campaign titled “Support for Meagan & Landon’s Families” has been launched by relatives to assist with funeral expenses and related costs.
Organizers described the teens as deeply loved by their classmates and community, calling for support during this difficult time.
The Florida Highway Patrol Traffic Homicide Unit is leading a comprehensive investigation into the crash.
Authorities are examining factors such as vehicle speed, right-of-way, and roadway conditions to determine the cause of the collision.
Officials urge drivers to remain cautious, particularly at rural intersections and during nighttime hours, as the investigation into the fatal Milton crash continues.
Local News
Three Killed in Highway 61 Crash Near Walls, Mississippi; Victims Identified as Latasha Dodson, Eddie Dodson, and Tamenshia Ford
WALLS, Mississippi — 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 Da’Quarius 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. Da’Quarius 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.