MARSHALL COUNTY, MS — A Wednesday evening single-vehicle crash claimed the life of a Hickory Flat man on Highway 349, marking another tragic traffic fatality in northern Mississippi. The Mississippi Highway Patrol identified the victim as 59-year-old Theodore W. Joyner, who died when his 1998 Ford F-150 pickup truck rolled multiple times after leaving the roadway.
The fatal crash occurred around 7 p.m. near mile marker 12, where investigators say Joyner was traveling southbound before losing control of his vehicle. Witnesses reported seeing the truck suddenly leave the pavement, overturn several times, and come to rest in a ditch. Emergency personnel arrived within minutes but found Joyner had suffered fatal injuries in the violent rollover.
MHP’s Accident Reconstruction Team spent hours documenting the crash scene, measuring skid marks and examining vehicle damage patterns. Preliminary evidence suggests the aging pickup may have experienced mechanical issues, though investigators haven’t ruled out other factors like speeding, driver impairment, or sudden medical emergencies. The absence of guardrails along this rural stretch of Highway 349 likely contributed to the severity of the rollover.
This marks the second fatal crash on Marshall County roads this month, raising concerns about safety along rural highways with narrow shoulders and limited safety features. Local residents describe this particular curve as problematic, with several reporting near-misses in recent months. “That bend sneaks up on you, especially at night,” said longtime area resident Billy Ray Covington.
The Mississippi Department of Transportation reports Highway 349 has seen 14 serious crashes in the past three years, though most resulted in only minor injuries. Joyner’s death has prompted calls for safety improvements, including rumble strips and additional warning signs along dangerous curves.
As the investigation continues, authorities await toxicology results and a full vehicle inspection report. Joyner’s family has been notified, and funeral arrangements are pending at Holly Springs Funeral Home. The MHP urges anyone with information about the crash to contact their Batesville office at (662) 563-6220.
