Rankin County, MS (June 11, 2025) – A tragic single-vehicle crash Tuesday night near Puckett claimed the life of a 19-year-old Ellisville man and left two others injured, according to the Rankin County Sheriff’s Department.
Deputies and emergency crews responded around 9:09 p.m. to the scene on Damond D Lake Road near Woodrow Martin Road, where they discovered a vehicle that had veered off the road and collided with a tree. First responders, including medics and local fire personnel, attempted life-saving measures on all occupants.
Joshua Blake Cooper II, 19, of Ellisville, was tragically pronounced dead at the scene. Two other individuals in the vehicle were transported by ambulance to the University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson. Their names have not been released, but officials stated both were in stable condition as of Wednesday morning.
Emergency crews from the Rankin County Sheriff’s Department (RCSD), Walters Volunteer Fire Department, Pafford ambulance service, and Rankin County Emergency Operations Command responded to the incident. The cause of the crash remains under investigation by RCSD.
We extend our deepest condolences to the family of Joshua Blake Cooper II and send our best wishes for a full recovery to the injured victims.
Single-Vehicle Collisions in Mississippi
The fatal crash on Damond D Lake Rd illustrates the serious danger posed by single-vehicle accidents, particularly on rural or poorly lit roads. When a vehicle leaves the roadway and strikes a fixed object such as a tree or pole, the consequences are often severe, as seen in Tuesday night’s tragic incident that took the life of a young Ellisville resident.
While the cause of this crash remains under investigation, contributing factors in similar rural collisions often include speeding, distracted driving, overcorrection, drowsiness, or poor road conditions. Roadways like Damond D Lake Rd, which serve as rural connectors near small towns like Puckett, can be narrow, winding, and minimally illuminated—conditions that increase crash risk at night.
The loss of a young life, such as that of Joshua Blake Cooper II, sends ripples through tight-knit communities and leaves families grappling with sudden grief. For the survivors, even non-fatal injuries may involve prolonged recovery, medical costs, and psychological distress.
First responders play a critical role in preserving life at these scenes. The involvement of multiple emergency units—including local fire, ambulance services, and emergency management—reflects the urgency and severity of this crash. Their quick action helped stabilize the two injured passengers and transport them for advanced care in Jackson.
For families affected by such tragedies, legal, emotional, and medical support becomes a priority in the difficult days that follow. Questions often remain about contributing factors, vehicle conditions, or even roadway safety.
If your loved one has been injured or lost in a single-vehicle crash like the one in Rankin County, Local Accident Reports is here to help. We work to connect victims and families with local professionals and support networks—legal guidance, medical referrals, and compassionate resources—to assist you in navigating recovery and loss. Contact Local Accident Reports today for the help you need during this difficult time.
