Accidents on Bell Road and Interstate 55 claim two lives

By Rupert Howell

Two traffic related deaths within as many days were among tragedies putting a dim light on the beginning of the week that brings in the fall season.

The investigation by Batesville Police Department was still under way Monday concerning a pedestrian death Sunday on I-55 in the northbound lane near the north Batesville exit.  Reginald Draper of Fudgetown Road, Sardis, was killed. He is the son of Patricia Draper.

Although still under investigation at press time Monday, Assistant Police Chief Don Province reported that an autopsy had been performed and officials were waiting on a toxicology report before finalizing the investigation.

Province said the initial investigation revealed that Draper was crossing I-55 on foot east to west and was hit by a northbound passenger vehicle.

Province said he expects no charges to be filed against the driver as several witnesses confirmed that Draper had indeed darted into the roadway.

A single vehicle accident took the life of Jeremy Tyler Appleton, 20,  Monday morning  on Bell Road. The pickup he was driving left the road and hit roadside trees. He was pronounced dead at the scene of the accident where Bell Road intersects Fowler Road in southeast Panola County, according to Panola Coroner Gracie Grant-Gulledge who was on the scene.

He is the son of Macel Jr. and Trena Appleton of Pope.

Funeral arrangements for both Draper and Appleton were incomplete at press time but can later be found at panolian.com.

Cooley’s Mortuary is in charge of Draper’s arrangements and Wells Funeral Home is in charge of the Appleton arrangements.