Update: MS Coast man accused in DUI crash that killed woman and child, police say

A 39-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of a drunk driving crash Monday night that killed a woman and young child, the Gulfport Police Department said.

Officers responded at 11:59 p.m. Monday to the head-on collision on Highway 49, near 34th Street. Authorities found a woman dead inside a car and a child with serious injuries, according to a news release.

The 18-month-old boy was airlifted to a trauma center at USA Health University Hospital in Mobile and died Tuesday afternoon, Harrison County Coroner Brian Switzer said.

The suspect, Kymanni King, was arrested Tuesday and jailed in Harrison County.

Lt. Jason DuCre, a spokesperson for the police department, said King’s bond would be raised to $1 million after the child’s death. Authorities arrested King on charges of aggravated DUI resulting in death and DUI causing serious bodily injury to a child. Ducre said the bodily injury charge would be upgraded.

The coroner identified the victim as Jackie Hanger, 25, of Gulfport. He said she was the child’s mother.

Police said King crossed the median and was driving north in the southbound lanes of Highway 49. His breath sample at the scene tested positive for alcohol, the news release said.

This story was originally published January 27, 2026 at 10:45 AM.