LAUDERDALE COUNTY, Miss. — Tragedy struck on Friday, February 13, 2026, when two Clarke County residents, 89-year-old Donald Sampson and 82-year-old Ollie Mae Donald of Quitman, lost their lives in a devastating two-vehicle crash on U.S. Highway 45 near the Clarke County line. The incident has left family, friends, and the local community in shock, grieving the sudden loss of two longtime residents.
According to authorities, the collision involved two vehicles and occurred along a stretch of highway known for heavy traffic and high-speed travel. Emergency responders arrived promptly at the scene, providing medical assistance and securing the area, but tragically, both Sampson and Donald succumbed to their injuries. Law enforcement officials continue to investigate the circumstances of the crash, gathering evidence and interviewing witnesses to determine contributing factors.
Family members remember Donald Sampson and Ollie Mae Donald as beloved community members whose lives were marked by kindness, dedication, and strong ties to friends and neighbors. Their passing has left a profound void in Quitman and the surrounding areas, with many taking to social media and local networks to share condolences and celebrate the lives of those lost.
Authorities urge anyone who may have witnessed the accident or has information to come forward to assist with the ongoing investigation. As the community rallies around the grieving families, the memory of Donald Sampson and Ollie Mae Donald will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved them, honoring the legacy of lives cut tragically short.