MHP Wants Help In Hervey Death Investigation

JACKSON, Miss. (Press Release) – The Mississippi Highway Patrol has completed its investigation concerning the traffic crash that claimed the life of Anthony Hervey from Oxford, MS, on July 19, 2015. Investigators say Hervey, 49, was the driver of a 2005 Ford Explorer traveling westbound in the left lane of US278 inside Lafayette County. A reconstruction of the crash shows the Explorer left the roadway at the crossover section of US278 and County Road 285 then continued down into the median south of US278. The Explorer reentered US278, crossed both westbound lanes and continued off the right shoulder of US278. The Explorer then collided with an embankment and concrete ditch causing the vehicle to roll over several times and coming to final rest on its roof. Hervey was pronounced dead at the scene by the Lafayette County Coroner’s Office.
A passenger in the Explorer, Juliette Barnum, from Stuart, Oklahoma, sustained injuries from the crash and was transported to Baptist North Hospital in Oxford. Investigators interviewed witnesses concerning the crash including Ms. Barnum who stated a silver vehicle occupied by 5 black males was following their vehicle and swerved towards them but did not make contact. Ms. Barnum also stated the actions of the silver vehicle caused the Explorer to leave the roadway. An examination of the Explorer by investigators confirmed no contact was made with a second vehicle. Another witness who observed the crash stated she saw the Explorer leave the roadway and crash, but could not confirm the presence of another vehicle.
Due to lack of information regarding license plate, or make and model of the silver vehicle possibly involved in the crash, the Mississippi Highway Patrol is asking for the public’s help in the ongoing investigation. Anyone with information concerning the crash and possible identification of the silver vehicle can call 662-563-6415.