MedStat Releases Statement About Colleague’s Death, Funeral Arrangements

VAN VLEET, Miss./AMR (PRESS RELEASE) – Michael Collums, an EMT with MedStat EMS, was responding to an emergency call yesterday when his ambulance collided with the cab of an 18-wheeler.  He was pronounced dead on the scene.

His crew member, paramedic Raymond Reed, suffered serious injuries, but non-life-threatening injuries.

“Our thoughts are with both families during this difficult time, and we wish Raymond a speedy recovery,” said David Grayson, Director of Operations for MedStat EMS, an affiliate of AMR.

Collums, 54, was a beloved MedStat employee who was committed to caring for others. He was also a welder and well-respected member of the community. He was also described as a loving and dedicated husband and father.

Collums’ colleagues said he took immense pride in his work as an EMT. “We will forever remember Michael for his kind heart and charming personality. Grayson said, “Michael was a close member of our MedStat family, and he we will miss him dearly.”

The cause of the crash is still under investigation.

Visitation will be 9:00 am to 11:00 am this Friday, February 24, at Calvert Funeral Home, 27600 East Main Street in West Point, Mississippi with the funeral immediately to follow in the chapel.  Interment will be at Greenwood Cemetery on Cromwell Street, also in West Point.

Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society or Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital in Memphis