SIMPSON COUNTY, Miss. (WJTV) – The Mississippi Highway Patrol (MHP) is investigating a crash that killed a 12-year-old bicyclist. The incident happened on U.S. 49 in Simpson County on Tuesday, April 5 around 8:45 p.m.
According to investigators, a 1998 Freightliner tractor-trailer was traveling south on U.S. 49 near New Hope Road when it collided with the bicyclist in the right lane.
The bicyclist, who was identified as 12-year-old Anthony Wilder III, of Magee, died at the scene. He was a student at Magee Middle School. The school released the following statement on Facebook:
Magee Middle School is incredibly saddened by the passing of Anthony Wilder III, a sixth grader from the school. He played the trombone in the band and participated in the school’s FLAG program. He was known for his energetic personality and upbeat attitude. He was also a hard worker, and it showed when he scored PL 4’s for both Math and ELA on the ELS Test. He grew over 30 points in Math and ELA on his iReady Diagnostic. He was also the highest score in Math for his diagnostic. But beyond what he contributed to his academic community, Magee Middle will remember his happiest moments with us. We will remember when he was breakdancing in the hallway, his spooky stories about a “siren man” during Halloween, him making structures from toothpicks and marshmallows, and him enjoying the class’s snow cone party. So, while he is gone in physically, these memories will keep Anthony with us during the difficult times ahead. We give our hopes and prayers to his family and friends. Anthony, we will miss you.
Magee Middle School
The crash is under investigation by MHP.