Columbus, Mississippi is wrapped in grief after a brutal two-vehicle crash Thursday morning claimed the lives of 16-year-old Braylan Dale and 32-year-old Breman Shea Woolbright. The wreck happened around 11:00 a.m. on Highway 12 near Harris Road in Lowndes County, according to Coroner Greg Merchant.
Braylan, a freshman at Columbus High School, was riding as a passenger when the car he was in collided with another vehicle. First responders arrived quickly, but Braylan was pronounced dead at the scene. Friends and classmates described him as a bright, kind young man whose future was just beginning.
The driver of the other car, Breman Shea Woolbright, was taken from the scene to Baptist Golden Triangle Hospital. He was pronounced dead on arrival. Woolbright’s connections in the community are just beginning to be shared, and loved ones are remembering him for the laughter and presence he brought into their lives.
Witnesses say the collision was sudden and violent, leaving both vehicles badly damaged. Portions of Highway 12 were blocked as crews worked through the afternoon to clear the scene and investigators collected evidence. The Mississippi Highway Patrol and local authorities are looking into what caused the two cars to crash.
At Columbus High School, teachers brought in counselors to support students still trying to grasp the loss of Braylan. Hallways that once buzzed with his voice now feel heavier, and classmates have left flowers and notes where he used to sit. The school community is rallying around his family as they navigate this unimaginable loss.
Friends of Woolbright remember him for his warmth and the way he made ordinary moments memorable. His passing has left his circle of family and friends in shock, sharing memories and leaning on one another for strength as news spreads through town.
Officials have not released details about the cause of the crash or whether weather and road conditions played a role. The investigation continues, and authorities urge anyone who saw the collision to come forward with information. For now, a community mourns two lives gone too soon and holds tight to memories of laughter, promise, and moments that will never be forgotten.
