A fatal collision in Columbus, Mississippi, claimed two lives on the morning of Thursday, January 23, 2026. The crash occurred at approximately 11:00 a.m. on Highway 12 near Harris Road, an area within Lowndes County. The incident involved two vehicles that collided in the roadway. The specific dynamics of the collision are part of an ongoing investigation by local authorities.
Among those killed was 16-year-old Braylan Dale, a freshman at Columbus High School who resided in the city of Columbus. Braylan was a passenger in one of the vehicles involved in the crash and was pronounced dead at the scene. The other victim was 32-year-old Breman Woolbright, who was also a resident of Columbus.
Woolbright was the driver of the second vehicle involved in the two-car collision. According to coroner Greg Merchant, Woolbright was transported from the scene to Baptist Golden Triangle hospital. He was pronounced dead on arrival at the medical facility. The deaths of both individuals were confirmed by the Lowndes County Coroner’s Office.
The Columbus community has been shaken by the loss of the young student and the adult who died alongside him. As a Columbus High School freshman, Braylan’s death is a profound loss for his classmates, teachers, and the wider school community. The sudden nature of the tragedy has prompted an outpouring of grief and support for the families affected by the crash.
As of the latest reports, the accident remains under investigation by the appropriate authorities. No further details regarding the potential cause of the collision or the conditions at the time have been publicly released. Investigators are likely examining evidence from the scene to determine the sequence of events that led to the fatal crash on Highway 12.
The tragic incident on a Mississippi highway underscores the ever-present dangers of roadway travel. The loss of Braylan Dale and Breman Woolbright leaves two families and an entire community to mourn. While the investigation continues, the focus remains on supporting the loved ones of the deceased during this difficult time.