The Monroe County community is mourning the tragic loss of 26-year-old Jakiya Smith, whose life was cut short following a single-vehicle crash on the evening of June 17, 2026. Her passing has left family members, friends, and loved ones devastated as they struggle to come to terms with an unimaginable loss. She is being remembered as a devoted mother whose life revolved around her children and the people she held closest.
According to the Monroe County Coroner’s Office, the crash occurred at approximately 7:27 p.m. on Highway 25, south of Airport Road. Preliminary reports indicate that Jakiya was traveling southbound in an SUV when, for reasons still under investigation, the vehicle left the roadway and struck a tree less than a mile from her home.
Emergency responders arrived quickly and provided urgent medical assistance. Jakiya was first transported to North Mississippi Medical Center–Gilmore in Amory and later transferred to North Mississippi Medical Center in Tupelo for advanced care. Despite extensive efforts by medical teams, she sadly passed away at 2:19 a.m. on June 18, 2026.
The tragedy is made even more heartbreaking as her three young children were also in the vehicle at the time of the crash. Two were airlifted to the University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson, while the third was taken to Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital in Memphis. Their conditions have not yet been released as families await updates.
Multiple emergency agencies responded, and the Mississippi Highway Patrol continues to investigate the circumstances of the crash. As the community grieves, Jakiya Smith is being remembered for her love, her devotion, and the lasting impact she made on those around her. Funeral arrangements are being handled by Belle Memorial Funeral Home in Amory. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
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