Montgomery County Authorities Investigate U.S. Highway 82 Crash That Claimed Life of Charles H. Martin
Montgomery County, Mississippi — Authorities are investigating a late-night traffic incident on U.S. Highway 82 near Stewart that claimed the life of 66-year-old Charles H. Martin of Coffeeville, Mississippi. The crash occurred shortly before 11 p.m. on Wednesday, August 13, 2025, and has left family members, friends, and the local community grieving.
According to the Mississippi Highway Patrol (MHP), Martin was traveling westbound in a 1999 Dodge pickup truck when, for reasons that remain under investigation, the vehicle left the roadway. The truck collided with a roadside ditch, resulting in severe damage to the vehicle and catastrophic injuries to Martin.
Emergency responders arrived quickly after receiving reports of the collision. Despite their efforts, Martin was pronounced deceased at the scene. Authorities have not yet confirmed whether he was wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash, and there has been no indication of other vehicles being directly involved in the incident.
Investigators are working to determine the circumstances leading up to the crash, including whether speed, roadway conditions, mechanical failure, or a medical emergency may have played a role. The MHP has urged drivers to remain vigilant, especially during nighttime travel, when reduced visibility and fatigue can increase risks.
U.S. Highway 82, which runs across several counties in Mississippi, is a frequently traveled route for both local and long-distance motorists. Residents of Stewart and surrounding areas say the stretch of road where the crash occurred can be challenging to navigate at night due to limited lighting and occasional sharp curves.
Martin’s passing has left a deep impact on the Coffeeville community, where he was known as a hardworking and friendly individual. Friends and neighbors recall his willingness to help others and his dedication to family. As news of the crash spread, tributes and condolences began pouring in from those who knew him best.
Traffic safety advocates are once again emphasizing the importance of wearing seatbelts, conducting regular vehicle maintenance, and reducing speed when driving at night. While it is not yet known if any of these factors contributed to the crash, safety experts stress that prevention is critical in reducing roadway fatalities.
Law enforcement officials have encouraged anyone who may have witnessed the crash or noticed unusual driving activity in the area that night to come forward. Witness statements could be crucial in helping investigators piece together the final moments before the truck left the road.
Local leaders are also calling for a review of road conditions along U.S. Highway 82, especially in rural areas where emergency response times may be longer. Some residents are advocating for additional reflective signage and lighting to improve safety for drivers traveling after dark.
As the investigation continues, the community is mourning the loss of Charles H. Martin. His memory will live on in the hearts of those who knew him, and his tragic passing serves as a somber reminder of the importance of safe driving practices for all who travel Mississippi’s roads.
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