Rankin County Sheriff Bryan Bailey issued the following statement.
Early Saturday morning, September 12, 2026, at approximately 2:00 a.m., the Rankin County Sheriff’s Department received a report of a single-vehicle accident in the 1000 block of Seventh Day Road in the Star area of Rankin County.
Rankin County deputies, along with Rankin County Emergency Operations, the Star Fire Department, and Pafford Ambulance Service, responded to the scene.
Upon arrival, first responders discovered a 2022 black Acura that appeared to have left the roadway and overturned, sustaining extensive damage. The vehicle subsequently caught fire with three occupants inside.
A nearby resident heard the accident and immediately went to the scene. Without hesitation and at great personal risk, this courageous citizen entered the burning vehicle twice and was able to rescue two of the three seriously injured occupants.
Tragically, one occupant succumbed to his injuries at the scene. The other two occupants sustained serious, life-threatening injuries and were transported to the University of Mississippi Medical Center for treatment.
All three individuals involved in the accident are residents of Rankin County.
Rankin County Deputy Coroner Cliff Dunlap responded to the scene and recovered the deceased.
The circumstances surrounding the accident remain under active investigation by the Rankin County Sheriff’s Department.
Sheriff Bryan Bailey and the men and women of the Rankin County Sheriff’s Department extend our deepest sympathy to the families and loved ones affected by this tragedy. Our hearts are especially heavy for the family who lost a loved one and for the families of those who remain seriously injured.
During times such as these, words often seem inadequate. We ask our community to join us in lifting these families up in prayer. We pray that God will surround the grieving family with His comfort and peace, and we pray for healing and strength for the two individuals who remain hospitalized.
We also ask that you remember in prayer the deputies, firefighters, medical personnel, dispatchers, and other first responders who answered this call and witnessed the tragedy firsthand.
Finally, we offer our heartfelt gratitude to the Rankin County resident whose extraordinary courage helped save two lives. Faced with a burning vehicle and tremendous danger, he chose to act. His willingness to put his own safety at risk for the sake of others represents courage, compassion, and love for his fellow man at their very best.
Please continue to keep everyone affected by this tragedy in your prayers in the difficult days ahead.

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