Keep Alcorn State football player Tyler Smith in your thoughts as he mourns the death of his mother and sister. Smith’s family members were killed in a multi-vehicle head-on collision, which occurred Saturday night.
After visiting Tyler’s game against Arkansas-Pine Bluff in Lorman, Kamille H. Smith, 43, and Kirstin A. Lucas, 16, were two of the four victims killed in the multi-vehicle accident.
According to The Clarion-Ledger, the accident took place on US 61.
Tyler and his family shared a beautiful farewell post-game, with pictures and smiles before parting ways.
Praying extremely hard for Number 58, Tyler Smith. His mother and sister both died in a tragic accident after leaving the game at Alcorn last night. 💜💛🕊️🤲🏾 pic.twitter.com/HIIWyqtm4m
— Jaynne Deaux (@MzMaryMacCousin) September 25, 2022
“Seeing his mom and sister and saying farewell to them after leaving the football game is just a heartfelt moment,” Alcorn State University head football coach Fred McNair said.
The Mississippi Highway Patrol has reported that 39-year-old Thomas Williams Jr. was driving a Honda Accord south on Highway 61 when it “collided head-on” with a Nissan Altima, driven by Kamille Smith, as reported by WLBT.
Kamille and Kirstin were pronounced dead on the scene.
Braves Family, tonight we mourn sincerely the recent loss of family members of one of our very own – Tyler Smith of @AlcornStateFB. We ask that you please keep Tyler & his family in your prayers at this time, and respect the privacy of the family.
— Alcorn State Athletics (@BRAVESSPORTS) September 26, 2022
“I think they were on their way to Meridian,” Harvey said. Adding that the tragic passing of Smith’s family members has been “tough for all of the Braves family.”
Smith, a junior from Cleveland, Mississippi, is a starter on the defensive line for Alcorn. The Alcorn football team has banded together to uplift Tyler during this heartwrenching time.
Braves Family, tonight we mourn sincerely the recent loss of family members of one of our very own – Tyler Smith of @AlcornStateFB. We ask that you please keep Tyler & his family in your prayers at this time, and respect the privacy of the family.
— Alcorn State Athletics (@BRAVESSPORTS) September 26, 2022
According to The Clarion-Ledger, Alcorn Athletic Director Raynoid Dedeaux has said that counseling will be available to Tyler, those close to him, and the football team following this tragedy.
“There are no words to express the sadness that we feel in each of our hearts as an entire university at this moment because as Braves when one of us mourn,” Dedeaux said. “Not only will we offer unconditional spiritual support as a university to Tyler and his family, but we will also be offering counseling for the team and those close to Tyler, in trying to deal with this tragedy.”
Coach McNair adds that Tyler is surrounded by good friends who are trying to help get his mind off of things.
“He wants to be around the guys that make him comfortable in his time of need, and I think what these young guys are doing for him is something good to take his mind off a lot of things he can’t control right now,” McNair said.
All interested in showing support for Tyler Smith & his family in-person…
VIEWING – Fri., Sept. 30 – 2-6pm; United Baptist Church (1101 Dr. M.L. King Dr., Cleveland, Miss. 38732)
FUNERAL – Sat, Oct. 1 – 2:30pm; East Side High (601 Lucy Seaberry Blvd., Cleveland, Miss. 38732)
— Alcorn State Athletics (@BRAVESSPORTS) September 28, 2022
Our prayers and condolences are with Tyler and his family as funeral arrangements have just been released.