The Mississippi Highway Patrol has reported three fatalities over the New Year’s holiday enforcement period.
Troopers made a concerted effort this holiday season with “Home for the Holidays” a safety program aimed at reducing highway accidents and fatalities after a higher than normal Thanksgiving holiday accident and fatality rate.
The following fatal vehicle crashes were reported:
On Tuesday, Dec. 31, at approximately 1:31 p.m., the Mississippi Highway Patrol responded to a fatal traffic crash on I-22 in Marshall County.
A 2016 Kenworth driven by Ryan J. Thomas, 44, of Gay, Ga., was traveling eastbound on Interstate 22. A 2013 Toyota Prius driven by Matthew Zent, 31, of Millington, Tenn., was traveling eastbound on I-22 and collided with the 2016 Kenworth.
Zent received fatal injuries from the crash and was pronounced dead on scene.
Also on Tuesday, at approximately 1:25 a.m., troopers responded to a fatal traffic crash on MS589 in Lamar County.
A Nissan Sentra driven by Blake H. Breazeale, 24, of Petal, was traveling northbound on Hwy. 589. The vehicle left the roadway and collided with tree. Brezeale was transported to a local hospital with life threatening injuries. A passenger, Kimberly R. Sumrall, 28, of Hattiesburg, received fatal injuries from the crash and was pronounced dead on scene.
On Tuesday evening, at approximately 6:02 p.m., MHP responded to a fatal crash on Hwy. 11 in Jasper County.
A 1991 Chevrolet pickup truck driven by Christopher S. Tanner, 42, of Quitman, was traveling southbound on MS11. The vehicle left the roadway and collided with tree.
Tanner received fatal injuries and was pronounced dead on scene.
The New Year’s holiday enforcement period began Tuesday, Dec. 31, at 12:01 a.m. and ended Wednesday, Jan. 1 at midnight. MHP issued 3526 citations with 79 DUI arrests. During the two day period, MHP investigated 81 motor vehicle crashes that included 23 injuries and 3 fatalities on state, federal highways, and interstates systems.
