The Clarke County community is mourning the deaths of Donald Sampson, 89, and Ollie Mae Donald, 82, following a two-vehicle crash on U.S. Highway 45 near the Clarke County line on Friday, February 13, 2026.
According to Sgt. Jameka Moore of the Mississippi Highway Patrol, Sampson was driving a 2008 Chevrolet passenger car westbound on Mitchum Bottom Road when he attempted to cross Highway 45. Their vehicle was struck by a 2016 Hyundai Elantra traveling northbound on Highway 45, driven by Nicholas Douglas of Shubuta.
Emergency responders from the Lauderdale County Fire Service, Metro Ambulance, and the Mississippi Highway Patrol attended the scene. Douglas was transported to a hospital in Meridian for treatment.
The Mississippi Highway Patrol and CIB Crash Team are investigating the circumstances surrounding the accident. Families of the victims have been notified, and authorities have urged drivers in the area to exercise caution.
The Clarke County community extends heartfelt thoughts and prayers to the families of Donald Sampson and Ollie Mae Donald during this tragic time.