Highway Patrol Investigating 2 Serious Crashes

[PRESS RELEASE]

The Mississippi Highway Patrol is still investigating two serious afternoon crashes in Alcorn and Tippah Counties.

At approximately 4:45pm,  Troopers responded to a two-vehicle crash in Tippah County on Hwy 4 east, near Hankin’s Sawmill.  Upon arriving it appeared Peggy Kennon, 62, of Ripley, was traveling west on MS 4, in a 2002 Dodge Ram and attempting to make a right turn onto County Road 540  when her vehicle was apparently rear-ended by a 2001 Mitsubishi 3000, driven by Jonathan Wilbanks, 25, of Ripley.

Kennon received fatal injuries in the crash and died on the scene from injuries in the crash. She was ejected from her vehicle during the crash.

Wilbanks received minor injuries and was transported to a local hospital in a private vehicle.

At approximately 4:53pm, Troopers responded to a two-vehicle crash, in Alcorn County, on US 72 west, near County Road 745  . Upon arriving it appeared Jonathan Forsyth, 20, of Corinth, was traveling east bound, in a 1997 Mazda Mia, and attempted to turn onto County 745 when he apparently pulled into the path of Lula Youngblood, 76, who was traveling west bound on US 72, in a 2000 Ford F150.

Both drivers were flown to Region One in Memphis and are listed in critical condition.