Natchez Man Dies After Vehicle Crashes Into Tree

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A 71-year-old Natchez man was found dead after his vehicle left the roadway and struck a tree near North Palestine Road in Adams County, Mississippi. According to the Adams County Sheriff's Office, deputies responded to a call about a vehicle in a ditch and found the driver, Charles Michael Smith, unresponsive behind the wheel. Authorities say a preliminary investigation indicates Smith appeared to have overcorrected his steering, causing the vehicle to leave the roadway and collide with the tree.

Why it matters

Single-vehicle crashes like this one are a leading cause of traffic fatalities in rural areas, highlighting the need for continued road safety improvements and driver education, especially for older motorists. The incident also underscores the importance of prompt emergency response and investigation to determine the exact cause and circumstances.

The details

According to the sheriff's office, Adams County E911 received a call around 1:53 p.m. on February 14 reporting a vehicle in a ditch near North Palestine Road. Deputies responding to the scene located the vehicle that had left the roadway and struck a tree. Charles Michael Smith, the 71-year-old driver, was found unresponsive behind the wheel. Emergency medical personnel confirmed Smith was deceased at the scene. Authorities say a preliminary investigation indicates Smith appeared to have overcorrected his steering, causing the vehicle to leave the roadway and collide with the tree.

• The incident occurred around 1:53 p.m. on February 14, 2026.
• The Adams County coroner responded and took possession of the body.