Details Released In Fatal I-22 Wreck

LEE COUNTY (WCBI/MHP RELEASE) – The Mississippi Highway Patrol is still investigating a serious crash that claimed the life of an Oxford resident.

Troopers responded to the head-on collision on I22, near MS 371, at approximately 9:20pm, February 15th. Upon arriving, it appeared Joseph Britt, 35, of Plantersville, was traveling east bound in the west bound lane of I22. His 2004 Ford F150 struck a 2016 Nissan SUV driven by Sherry D Buford, 46, of Oxford, head-on.

Buford received fatal injuries from the crash and died on the crash scene.

There were four passengers in Buford’s vehicle. Hayes Lynch, 59, of Abbeville, received moderate injuries from the crash. Sandra Phillips, 58, and Shelia Lewis, 58, both of Abbeville, received life threatening injuries from the crash and remain in critical condition. A teenager in Buford’s vehicle received moderate injuries. All the passengers were transported to NMMC.

Britt received minor injuries in the crash. He was also taken to NMMC.

Due to the physical evidence collected at the crash scene, Troopers believe Britt may have been under the influence of alcohol at the time of the crash.

The crash is still under investigation by the responding Troopers and members of the  Mississippi Highway Patrol Accident Reconstructionist Team.

After the investigation has been completed it will be presented to the next Lee County Grand Jury.

The west bound lanes of I22 were closed for nearly two hours as emergency responders worked the crash scene.