ITAWAMBA COUNTY, Miss. — The Itawamba County community is mourning the heartbreaking death of 14-year-old Gavin Bryce Boswell, who was killed Friday afternoon in a two-vehicle collision at the intersection of Highway 76 and Highway 23. Gavin, born December 12, 2011, to Joshua Seth Boswell and Nikistea Webb, was remembered by family and friends as a lively, adventurous child who loved the outdoors, sports, and spending time with loved ones.
According to the Mississippi Highway Patrol, the crash occurred around 5:02 p.m. A 2016 Chrysler 200, driven by 22-year-old Kelli J. Franklin of Hernando, was traveling westbound on Highway 76 when it collided with a 2016 Kia Optima heading northbound on Highway 23, driven by 36-year-old Wendy J. Mayhall of Tremont.
Gavin was one of four children riding in the Kia. Authorities confirmed that he was pronounced dead at the scene from injuries sustained in the collision. Mayhall and Franklin were both injured and transported to nearby hospitals—Red Bay Hospital in Alabama and North Mississippi Medical Center in Tupelo, respectively. Another child in the Kia was taken to Red Bay Hospital, while two additional children were airlifted to Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital in Memphis for further treatment.
The Mississippi Highway Patrol stated that the crash remains under active investigation as troopers work to determine the circumstances that led to the tragic collision.
Gavin’s passing has left a profound impact on his family, classmates, and the broader community. Those who knew him remember a spirited, energetic boy with a zest for life, whose love for hunting, fishing, and sports reflected his adventurous nature. Friends and neighbors have shared memories of his kindness, humor, and enthusiasm, emphasizing the bright presence he brought to all around him.
As the community grieves, messages of condolence and support continue to pour in for Gavin’s family and all affected by the crash. Loved ones are holding onto cherished memories while finding strength in one another, honoring the life of a young boy whose potential and promise were tragically cut short.
Gavin Bryce Boswell will be remembered as a vibrant, loving, and adventurous soul whose life, though brief, left a lasting impression on those who knew him.