Teen Dies In Saturday Collision

BENTON COUNTY (MHP RELEASE ) The Mississippi Highway Patrol is still investigating a head-on collision in Benton County that claimed the life of a Myrtle teenager.

Troopers responded to MS 178, near Hickory Flat, at approximately 3pm. Upon arriving it appeared Ronnie Parker, 51, of Potts Camp , was traveling east bound, in a 1999 Ford F350, when he apparently crossed over into the west bound lane and collided head-on into a 2013 Chevrolet SUV, driven by Alee Thomas, 18, of Myrtle.

Thomas was airlifted to Region One, in Memphis, TN, and later died from injuries sustained from the crash. Her brother, Christian Thomas, 20, was transported to Baptist Hospital in New Albany with moderate injuries.

Parker was transported to Baptist Hospital in New Albany where he was treated and released with minor injuries.

Troopers continue to gather evidence from the crash scene that indicates Parker may have been under the influence of alcohol at the time of the crash.