South Mississippi man and 13-year-old killed in Harrison County crash, authorities say

A Mississippi Coast man and young passenger died Thursday morning after a crash on U.S. 49 in Harrison County, the Mississippi Highway Patrol said.

John Potts, 68, and Victoria Hutcherson, 13, both of Saucier, died in the wreck, Harrison County Coroner Brian Switzer said.

Potts, the driver, was not wearing a seatbelt and was ejected from the vehicle when a dump truck hit it, Switzer said. Potts was trying to cross four lanes on U.S. 49 when the dump truck collided with his car, Switzer said. Potts died at the scene.

Potts had been driving Hutcherson to West Wortham Elementary, where she was in eighth grade, Switzer said.

Switzer said Hutcherson wore a seatbelt and was not ejected.

Authorities rushed the dump truck driver to an area hospital for treatment, Switzer said.

The two vehicles crashed about 8 a.m. on U.S. 49 and Nobles Road near Saucier, Mississippi Highway Patrol Cpl. Cal Robertson said.

All southbound lanes of U.S. 49 at Nobles Road were blocked Thursday morning, according to the Mississippi Department of Transportation.

Authorities also blocked the left lane northbound, MDOT said.

MDOT said by 11:30 a.m. that delays had cleared.

Staff Writer Margaret Baker contributed reporting.

This story was originally published March 14, 2024 at 9:12 AM.