Alcorn State student killed; crashes into downed tree on way home from Halloween party

By Morgan Howard and Mary Grace Eppes 

CLAIBORNE CO., MS (WLBT) - A 19-year-old Alcorn State student was killed Thursday morning in a crash in Claiborne County.

According to MHP’s Kervin Stewart, around 3:00 a.m., MHP responded to a one car crash on US 61 near MS 462 just two miles north of Port Gibson. Preliminary reports showed that a silver Nissan collided with a tree that had fallen across the southbound lane.

The driver of the Nissan was not injured and called 911 to report what had happened.

Ten minutes after making the 911 call, the Nissan driver reported a second vehicle, a 2014 Toyota Camry collided with the same tree.

The driver and the rear passenger in the Camry were not injured. The front seat passenger, 19-year-old Jayla A. Gray of Jackson died as a result of her injuries.

Cpl. Stewart said Gray is a student at Alcorn State University in Lorman and was returning to campus after stopping at Waffle House following a Halloween party.

MHP says that inclement weather is believed to be a factor in this crash.

Alcorn State University released this statement on Gray’s death:

"The entire Alcorn State University community is deeply saddened and mourns the passing of student scholar Jayla A. Gray during an early morning automobile accident near Port Gibson. Jayla was a sophomore, elementary education major from Jackson, Mississippi. She was active with both the gospel and concert choirs.

The passing of a student deeply affects the entire Alcorn family and is especially difficult and heartbreaking. Alcorn sends our deepest sympathies and prayers to Jayla’s parents, family, and friends. We give thanks for her life and for the scholastic talents and vitality that she brought to Alcorn. We will keep our memories of her alive in our hearts and ask the Alcorn community to keep all of Jayla’s loved ones and friends along with faculty, staff, and students, in their thoughts and prayers.

Individual and group counseling services are available to students, faculty, and staff through the university’s counseling center. More information regarding funeral arrangements will be released once confirmed."

Jackson Public Schools tweeted this statement:

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