Accident Summary

A devastating head-on collision between an SUV and a pickup truck on Highway 18 near Raymond, Mississippi claimed two lives in the early morning hours of Friday, around 4:22 a.m. According to the Mississippi Highway Patrol (MHP), a 2007 Honda Pilot and a 2025 Chevrolet Silverado collided head-on in what proved to be a fatal crash. Hinds County Coroner Jeramiah Howard confirmed that Ursula Hunley, 51, a native of Utica, was pronounced dead at the scene — she was the driver of the Honda Pilot. Her twin sister, Damaris Hunley, 51, was a passenger in the same vehicle and was transported to the University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC) with injuries. Justin Campbell, 29, of Petal, the driver of the Chevrolet Silverado, was also rushed to UMMC, where he was later pronounced dead. The Mississippi Highway Patrol, the Raymond Fire Department, multiple ambulances, Aircare helicopter service, and the Hinds County Coroner all responded to the scene. Both directions of Highway 18 were temporarily shut down before reopening by approximately 7:12 a.m.

Location and Infrastructure

Highway 18 is a major east-west corridor in Hinds County, Mississippi, passing through the town of Raymond, which serves as the county seat. The highway connects several communities across central Mississippi and carries a significant volume of both local and through traffic, including commercial vehicles. Early morning travel on this stretch of road — particularly in the pre-dawn hours — presents known visibility challenges, as the highway features sections with limited lighting and varying road geometry. Raymond is located approximately 15 miles southwest of Jackson, Mississippi, and the surrounding area is largely rural in character. Head-on collisions on two-lane undivided highways such as this one are among the most severe categories of roadway crashes due to the combined closing speeds of opposing vehicles. The cause of the crash remains under active investigation by the Mississippi Highway Patrol.

Legal Rights and Considerations

Under Mississippi law, individuals injured in motor vehicle accidents — as well as the families of those killed — may have the right to pursue civil claims for damages. Mississippi follows a pure comparative fault system, meaning that compensation may be available even if a claimant bears some degree of responsibility. Recoverable damages in wrongful death and personal injury cases may include medical expenses, funeral and burial costs, lost income, loss of consortium, and pain and suffering. Mississippi's statute of limitations for personal injury and wrongful death claims is generally three years from the date of the incident, making timely consultation with a licensed attorney important. All drivers in Mississippi are required to carry minimum liability insurance coverage. Surviving family members and injured parties are encouraged to preserve all documentation related to the accident, including medical records, insurance correspondence, and any communications with investigating authorities. This information does not constitute legal advice.

Related Resources

Emergency Services

• Mississippi Highway Patrol (Troop D – Hinds County): (601) 987-1212
• Hinds County Sheriff's Department: (601) 857-8767
• Raymond Fire Department: (601) 857-8776
• Hinds County Coroner's Office: (601) 857-0026

Medical Services

• University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC): 2500 North State Street, Jackson, MS 39216 | (601) 984-1000

Traffic Safety Resources

• Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) Traffic & Road Conditions: mdot.ms.gov | 1-800-844-0061
• MDOT Highway Safety Office: mdot.ms.gov/msh

Victim Support Services

• Mississippi Office of Victim Assistance (MOVA): (800) 829-6682 | www.ago.state.ms.us/mova
• Mississippi Crisis Line: 1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433)
• Hinds County Victim Services: (601) 857-8767

State Laws and Regulations

• Mississippi Traffic Laws – Title 63 of the Mississippi Code: law.justia.com/codes/mississippi/title-63
• Mississippi Department of Public Safety: dps.ms.gov
• Mississippi Motor Vehicle Crash Report Information: mhp.dps.ms.gov