Local News
17-Year-Old Alyssa Grant Killed in Fatal Crash Involving Semi-Truck on U.S. Highway 45 in Wayne County
WAYNE COUNTY, Miss. — A 17-year-old girl from Richton was killed Monday afternoon in a two-vehicle collision involving an SUV and a semi-truck on U.S. Highway 45 in Wayne County, according to the Mississippi Highway Patrol (MHP).
Authorities identified the victim as Alyssa Grant, who suffered fatal injuries in the crash.
According to the Mississippi Highway Patrol, troopers were dispatched to the scene shortly after 3 p.m. on June 22 following reports of a serious collision on U.S. Highway 45.
Preliminary findings indicate that a 2009 Nissan Murano, driven by Grant, was traveling northbound on the highway when it collided with a southbound 2023 Freightliner semi-truck.
Investigators have not yet released details regarding what caused the collision or the events leading up to the crash.
Emergency responders arrived at the scene and assessed those involved in the crash. Authorities said Grant sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene by the Wayne County Coroner’s Office.
The driver of the Freightliner was not injured in the collision, according to the Mississippi Highway Patrol.
Troopers continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the fatal crash. Officials have not announced whether any contributing factors, such as roadway conditions, vehicle issues, or driver actions, played a role in the collision.
Additional information is expected to be released as investigators complete their review of the crash.
The fatal wreck marks another tragic loss on Mississippi roadways and has left family members, friends, and the Richton community mourning the death of Alyssa Grant.
Local News
29-Year-Old Alex Rodriguez Found Dead on University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign, No Foul Play Suspected
URBANA, Ill. — A 29-year-old Champaign man found dead on the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus Monday morning has been identified as Alex C. Rodriguez, according to the Champaign County Coroner’s Office.
The University of Illinois Police Department (UIPD) responded to the area of Green and Wright streets at approximately 6:42 a.m. after receiving a report of an unresponsive person near the Alma Mater statue.
Officers arrived and found Rodriguez on a concrete bench. Emergency medical assistance was requested at the scene.
The Champaign County Coroner’s Office responded, and Rodriguez was pronounced dead at approximately 7:16 a.m., according to Coroner Laurie Brauer.
Authorities said Rodriguez was not affiliated with the University of Illinois.
UIPD provided an update Monday afternoon, saying preliminary observations at the scene revealed no signs of foul play.
Police also said there was no evidence of an ongoing threat to the university campus or surrounding community based on the information available when officers responded.
Because investigators did not identify an active threat, the university did not issue an Illini-Alert emergency notification.
The circumstances surrounding Rodriguez’s death have not been determined.
An autopsy has been scheduled, and the death remains under investigation by the University of Illinois Police Department.
Authorities have not released additional information about the circumstances leading to Rodriguez’s death.
The investigation remains ongoing, and additional details are expected as investigators receive further information from the autopsy and other evidence.
No foul play has been indicated based on the preliminary investigation.