In the early morning hours on Interstate 20 West near the six-mile marker in Warren County, 31-year-old Manus Dace of Jackson lost control of his 2012 Honda Accord, causing the vehicle to overturn around 12:02 a.m. on November 23, 2025.
Mississippi Highway Patrol troopers responded to the scene, where Manus was pronounced dead despite emergency efforts. Two passengers, 32-year-old Fred McGee and 52-year-old Okang Oko, both from Jackson, were transported to the University of Mississippi Medical Center for treatment.
Manus grew up in Jackson, attending Forest Hill High School where he participated in vocational automotive classes. He earned a certificate in automotive repair from Hinds Community College in 2015, blending his passion for mechanics with practical skills. His education prepared him for a hands-on career in the city’s service industry.
Manus worked as an automotive technician at a Jackson repair shop for over eight years, specializing in engine diagnostics and customer diagnostics. Colleagues valued his reliable overtime shifts and ability to explain complex repairs simply. His professional life reflected steady dedication to helping fellow Jackson residents stay on the road.
Manus shared a close apartment in Jackson’s Fondren neighborhood with his fiancée and their young son, filling weekends with family barbecues and park outings. He maintained strong ties with his parents and two siblings through weekly Sunday dinners featuring his grilled specialties. These bonds provided daily joy and support in his family-centered world.
Manus maintained an active routine with early gym sessions before work and evening basketball games at local courts. He enjoyed fishing the Pearl River on off days and restoring classic car parts as a cherished hobby. His lifestyle blended mechanical pursuits with simple outdoor joys.
The Mississippi Highway Patrol continues investigating factors like speed and road conditions in the single-vehicle crash. Jackson honors Manus with flowers along I-20, while his family prepares services at a local Baptist church. Community leaders urge tips to MHP at 601-987-1212, reflecting on a young man’s promising path cut short.
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