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
2-Year-Old Aurora Wenzel Dies After Devastating Two-Vehicle Crash in Isabella County, Michigan
ISABELLA COUNTY, Mich. — A heartbreaking traffic collision in Isabella County has claimed the life of 2-year-old Aurora Wenzel, a young girl from Alma, Michigan. The toddler died after a two-vehicle crash in Coe Township on Wednesday evening, November 11, 2026, leaving her family and loved ones facing an unimaginable loss.
According to the Michigan State Police, the collision occurred at approximately 5:30 p.m. near the intersection of East Coe Road and South East County Line Road.
Aurora was a passenger in a 2023 Hyundai Kona involved in the crash. Despite being rushed to the hospital with serious injuries, the little girl sadly did not survive.
Investigators said a 2023 Hyundai Kona, driven by a 22-year-old man, was traveling westbound on East Coe Road when it was struck by a 2021 Chrysler Voyager.
The impact caused the Hyundai to overturn, leaving several people injured.
Aurora was among those inside the Hyundai. She sustained critical injuries and was transported to a hospital, where she later died.
The driver and two additional occupants of the Hyundai were also taken to the hospital. Their injuries were reported as non-life-threatening.
Authorities have not provided further details about the occupants of the Chrysler Voyager or the full circumstances leading up to the collision.
Following the tragedy, Aurora’s mother, Natalie Long-Terwilliger, shared an emotional message on Facebook confirming the loss of her beloved daughter.
According to her mother’s account, the family had been returning home after a short shopping trip when the crash occurred.
She also shared a touching detail about Aurora’s final day. The little girl had spent time choosing beautiful winter dresses for her pageants and upcoming photographs.
What may have seemed like an ordinary shopping trip became a memory the family will carry forever. Those simple moments of happiness, spent together choosing outfits and enjoying time as a family, have now taken on a heartbreaking meaning.
At just two years old, Aurora had so much of childhood ahead of her. Her family had dreams to watch her grow, celebrate her milestones, and make countless memories together. Her life was tragically cut short before she had the chance to experience all that the future could have held.
Aurora’s mother also expressed gratitude to the people who stopped to help at the scene, the first responders, medical professionals, and the family members and friends who have offered support during this painful time.
Michigan State Police said alcohol and drugs do not appear to have been contributing factors in the collision.
Preliminary findings suggest that a driver may have failed to obey a stop sign. However, investigators have not completed their work, and the circumstances surrounding the crash remain under investigation.
Authorities have not announced any final conclusions regarding responsibility for the collision.
The loss of a young child is a devastating tragedy, and Aurora’s death has left her family facing a future without the little girl they loved so dearly.
Although her time on earth was heartbreakingly short, the memories she created with her family will remain part of their lives forever. Her final day, filled with the simple joy of choosing dresses and spending time with loved ones, will be remembered with both love and sorrow.
Our deepest condolences go out to Natalie Long-Terwilliger, Aurora’s father, their family, friends, and everyone mourning this precious little girl. May they find strength, comfort, and support as they navigate this unimaginable loss.
Rest peacefully, sweet Aurora. Gone far too soon, loved beyond words, and never forgotten.