Gina Heslop
A tragic car accident in Panola County, Mississippi, claimed the life of a teenager, Katelyn Ray, leaving her family and community heartbroken.
The collision occurred around 7:15 a.m. when Katelyn’s car rear-ended a South Panola School bus on Highway 15 near Highway 6. Katelyn, who was on her way to pick up her older sister from work, lost her life in the accident.
Katelyn’s mother, Shelia Ray, recalled their last conversation, a simple yet loving exchange that became their final goodbye. When Katelyn failed to arrive at her sister’s workplace by 7:30 a.m., her family grew increasingly concerned.
Calls to Katelyn’s phone went unanswered, deepening their worry. Eventually, they received devastating news from the Mississippi Highway Patrol about the severe car crash involving Katelyn.
The accident happened when Katelyn’s car slammed into the back of the school bus, causing significant damage. The details of the crash left her family struggling to understand what could have gone wrong.
During the anxious hours before the news, Katelyn’s sister, Courtney Pettit, turned to social media for help, posting on Facebook to seek information about her missing sister. Sadly, it was during this time that the family learned about the tragedy.
Katelyn, who had recently earned her driver’s license just two months before the accident, was described by her family as a vibrant and outgoing young woman.
She was actively pursuing her GED at the WIN Job Center and had a bright future ahead. Her aunt, Stephanie Pettit, spoke about the family’s anguish, emphasizing the difficulty of coping with such a sudden loss.
As the Panola County community mourns, the Mississippi Highway Patrol continues to investigate the accident.
