CLEVELAND, MS — Tragedy struck the Cleveland community early Tuesday morning after a devastating two-vehicle crash claimed the lives of two Bayou Academy students. The Mississippi Highway Patrol (MHP) confirmed that the fatal collision involved a Bolivar County deputy and occurred at the intersection of Yale Street and Crosby Road just before 6:45 a.m.
The victims, identified as Ryder Houser and Joshua Benjamin—both minors and residents of Bolivar County—were pronounced dead at the scene. The pair were traveling in a pickup truck driven by one of the boys when the vehicle collided with another truck operated by 29-year-old Deputy Brionna Brown of the Bolivar County Sheriff’s Office.
According to MHP investigators, Deputy Brown was traveling westbound on Yale Street in a department vehicle when her truck struck the teenagers’ northbound vehicle at the intersection. While Deputy Brown sustained injuries in the collision, officials said she is expected to recover.
The crash has sent shockwaves through the small Mississippi community, especially among students, faculty, and families associated with Bayou Academy. The school released a brief statement expressing deep sorrow and asking for privacy and prayers for the affected families during this heartbreaking time.
“Our hearts are shattered. We mourn the loss of two of our own and extend our deepest sympathies to their families and friends,” the school shared on social media.
The Mississippi Highway Patrol continues to investigate the cause of the collision, and no further details have been released regarding the circumstances surrounding the crash or whether charges will be considered.
Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced in the coming days as families and classmates grapple with the sudden tragedy. The Cleveland and Boyle communities have asked for continued prayers and support for all those affected by the incident.
This remains a developing story.
