Melvin Thompson, Michael Lyons Death NewsMelvin Thompson, Michael Lyons Death News – The Mississippi Highway Patrol (MHP) is investigating two unrelated traffic incidents that resulted in the deaths of two people over the weekend. Both incidents occurred in southern Mississippi within a span of just a few hours.
According to authorities, the first crash happened on Highway 84 in Lincoln County shortly after 9:15 p.m. on October 11, 2025. Investigators said that a 2018 Ford F-150 pickup truck was heading west when, for reasons still being looked into, it veered off the roadway and struck an embankment. Emergency responders quickly arrived and transported the driver, identified as 63-year-old Melvin Thompson of Hattiesburg, to King’s Daughters Medical Center in Brookhaven. Despite efforts by medical personnel, Thompson did not survive his injuries.
Local officials expressed condolences to the family, noting that the section of Highway 84 where the crash occurred is known for sharp curves and low visibility at night, which may have contributed to the accident. However, the final cause will be determined by MHP’s ongoing investigation, which includes examining road conditions, vehicle status, and potential driver-related factors.
The second crash happened just a few hours later, around 1:15 a.m. on October 12, 2025, on Highway 43 in Lawrence County. In this case, troopers reported that a 2015 Nissan Altima had been involved in a brief pursuit with a Lawrence County deputy. During the chase, the driver lost control of the vehicle, which then left the road and overturned several times. The driver, identified as 42-year-old Michael Lyons of Vicksburg, suffered fatal injuries and passed away at the scene before he could be transported for medical care.
A 15-year-old female passenger was also inside the vehicle at the time of the crash. She sustained serious injuries and was airlifted to the University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC) in Jackson for treatment. As of the most recent update, her condition has not been disclosed publicly. Authorities said that she remains under the care of medical professionals, and her family has been notified.
The Mississippi Highway Patrol, in coordination with the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office, is reviewing all aspects of the second incident, including what led to the attempted traffic stop and the moments leading up to the crash. Investigators plan to reconstruct the accident scene to better understand the speed, trajectory, and sequence of events that caused the car to overturn.
Both crashes have brought renewed attention to road safety and responsible driving across the state. Officials with MHP urged motorists to exercise caution, particularly when driving late at night or during early morning hours when visibility tends to be lower and fatigue may affect alertness.
Community members in both Lincoln and Lawrence counties have expressed sadness over the tragic events. In Hattiesburg, neighbors described Melvin Thompson as a kind and hardworking man who enjoyed spending time outdoors and was always willing to lend a hand to others. In Vicksburg, friends and relatives of Michael Lyons said they were heartbroken by the loss and are keeping his family, as well as the injured passenger, in their thoughts.
While investigators continue their work, both cases serve as a reminder of how quickly accidents can happen on rural Mississippi highways. Authorities encourage anyone who witnessed either crash, or who may have information that could assist with the investigations, to contact the Mississippi Highway Patrol.
Both incidents remain open as officials await toxicology reports, vehicle inspections, and final accident reconstruction analyses to determine the precise causes and contributing factors behind the two tragic crashes.
