Major Wreck on Highway 18 in Raymond, Mississippi: What Drivers and Families Need to Know

Major Wreck on Highway 18 in Raymond, Mississippi: What Drivers and Families Need to Know
  |  
Last Modified on Sep 08, 2026

A serious crash on Highway 18 in Raymond, Mississippi, has left two people dead and another injured, reminding drivers across Hinds County how quickly a routine drive can turn tragic. If you’re searching for details about the wreck on Highway 18 yesterday, or trying to confirm reports of a fatal car accident on Hwy 18 yesterday, here is what investigators have confirmed so far.

What Happened in the Highway 18 Wreck

According to the Mississippi Highway Patrol, the accident happened early Friday morning, April 24, around 4:22 a.m. on Highway 18 near Raymond. The crash involved a head-on collision between a 2007 Honda Pilot and a 2025 Chevrolet Silverado. Troopers say the Silverado was traveling west on Highway 18 when it crossed into the path of the eastbound Honda Pilot, resulting in the head-on impact.

Authorities reported that Ursula Hunley, 51, of Utica, was pronounced dead at the scene. Justin Campbell, 29, of Petal, was transported to the University of Mississippi Medical Center but later died from his injuries. Hinds County Coroner Jeramiah Howard confirmed both fatalities.
A passenger in the Honda Pilot, Damaris Hunley, who was identified as Ursula Hunley’s twin sister, was also injured and taken to the hospital for treatment.

Emergency crews responding to the scene included the Mississippi Highway Patrol, the Raymond Fire Department, multiple ambulance units, and Aircare, along with the Hinds County Coroner’s office — a reminder of how many resources a single wreck on Highway 18 can require.

Highway 18 Reopened After Investigation

Following the collision, both directions of Highway 18 were temporarily shut down while emergency responders worked the scene and investigators gathered evidence. The roadway fully reopened by approximately 7:12 a.m., but the Mississippi Highway Patrol continues to investigate the cause of the crash.

Why Head-On Collisions Like This Are So Dangerous

Head-on collisions are among the most dangerous types of motor vehicle accidents because of the force involved at impact. These crashes often result in catastrophic injuries, permanent disabilities, and wrongful death claims for surviving family members.

Hinds County and the surrounding rural stretches of Highway 18 see a disproportionate share of these high-speed, high-severity crashes, particularly in the early morning hours when fatigue, reduced visibility, and impaired driving are more common factors.

Legal Options After a Fatal Car Accident on Highway 18

In Mississippi, families affected by fatal car accidents may have legal options depending on the circumstances of the crash. If negligence, reckless driving, distracted driving, impairment, or unsafe road conditions played a role, surviving loved ones may be entitled to pursue compensation through a wrongful death or personal injury claim.

Mississippi law gives families three years from the date of a fatal crash to file a wrongful death claim, and gives injury victims three years from the date of the wreck to file a personal injury claim. Waiting to speak with an attorney can still hurt a claim, since evidence like skid marks, vehicle data, and witness memory fades quickly. Mississippi also follows a pure comparative negligence rule, meaning a family or injured driver can still recover damages even if the deceased or injured party is found partially at fault — their compensation is simply reduced by their percentage of fault.

Compensation in a Highway 18 wrongful death or injury claim can include:

● Funeral and burial expenses
● Loss of the deceased’s income and future earning capacity
● Loss of companionship, guidance, and consortium for surviving family members
● Medical bills and ongoing care for injury survivors like Damaris Hunley
● Pain and suffering endured before death or during recovery

What to Do If You Were Involved in a Wreck on Highway 18

If you or a loved one were involved in this crash or any other wreck on Highway 18, taking the following steps can help protect both your health and your legal rights:

  • Seek medical evaluation immediately, even if injuries seem minor — some symptoms appear hours or days later.
  • Request a copy of the official Mississippi Highway Patrol crash report once it’s available.
  • Avoid giving a recorded statement to an insurance adjuster before speaking with an attorney.
  • Photograph the scene, vehicle damage, and any visible injuries if you’re able to safely do so.
  • Keep records of medical visits, missed work, and related expenses.
  • Contact a Mississippi car accident lawyer before accepting any settlement offer.

Accidents like this serve as a painful reminder of the importance of safe driving and staying alert on Mississippi roads, especially during early morning hours when visibility and fatigue can both be major factors.

As the investigation into the Highway 18 wreck continues, our thoughts remain with the families affected by this tragic accident. This page will be updated as the Mississippi Highway Patrol releases further information on the cause of the crash.

FAQs

What Happened In The Wreck On Highway 18?

A head-on collision between a 2007 Honda Pilot and a 2025 Chevrolet Silverado occurred on Highway 18 near Raymond, Mississippi, around 4:22 a.m. on April 24. The crash killed two people and injured a third. The Mississippi Highway Patrol is still investigating the cause.

Was There A Fatal Car Accident On Hwy 18 Yesterday?

Yes. A fatal car accident on Highway 18 in Raymond claimed the lives of Ursula Hunley, 51, of Utica, and Justin Campbell, 29, of Petal. A third person, Damaris Hunley, was hospitalized with injuries. Highway 18 briefly closed in both directions before reopening around 7:12 a.m.

Who Was Involved In The Highway 18 Wreck In Raymond, Mississippi?

The crash involved the driver of a 2007 Honda Pilot, Ursula Hunley, her passenger and twin sister Damaris Hunley, and the driver of a 2025 Chevrolet Silverado, Justin Campbell. Ursula Hunley and Justin Campbell died as a result of the crash.

What Should I Do If I Was Involved In A Wreck On Highway 18?

Seek medical attention right away, request the official crash report from the Mississippi Highway Patrol, document the scene if possible, and avoid giving a recorded statement to an insurance company before speaking with a Mississippi car accident lawyer.

How Long Do I Have To File A Wrongful Death Claim After A Fatal Highway 18 Crash?

Mississippi law generally allows three years from the date of death to file a wrongful death claim, and three years from the date of the crash for a personal injury claim. Speaking with an attorney early helps preserve evidence before it’s lost.

Who Investigates Wrecks On Highway 18 In Hinds County?

The Mississippi Highway Patrol is the primary investigating agency for crashes on Highway 18 in Hinds County, often working alongside local fire departments, the Hinds County Coroner’s office, and emergency medical services like Aircare.

Can My Family File A Claim If A Loved One Died In The Highway 18 Wreck?

Close family members and dependents of someone killed in a wrongful death case, such as this fatal wreck on Highway 18, may be entitled to pursue compensation for funeral costs, lost income, and loss of companionship through a wrongful death claim.

Lost a Loved One in the Highway 18 Wreck? You May Have Legal Options.

If your family was affected by this crash — or any fatal car accident on Highway 18 or elsewhere in Mississippi — our Hinds County wrongful death attorneys can review what happened at no cost to you. There’s no obligation, and you don’t pay unless we win.

Share:

Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest
injury-board-award-img
american-justice-award-img
top-trial-lawyers-award-img
aila-award-img
wilg-award-img
maj-award-img
reynetra-rising-badge

You Focus on Healing. We Focus on Winning.

Protecting Victims. Pursuing Justice.
Cta Attorneys
es_MXES