A report released Wednesday by Columbus Air Force Base identified Airman 1st Class Mark M. Wheeler as the victim of Monday”s fatal motorcycle accident on Highway 45 North in Lowndes County.
Wheeler, of Florida, was a Security Forces patrolman assigned to the 14th Security Forces Squadron at CAFB, his first permanent duty assignment with the Air Force. CAFB officials declined to release Wheeler”s home town or other information.
The Mississippi Highway Patrol is investigating the accident, and an Air Force accident board will convene to investigate the wreck.
Wheeler reportedly was traveling at a high rate of speed on Highway 45 North when he struck the rear of an 18-wheeler which had slowed to turn into MMC Materials at 7296 Highway 45 N.
Lowndes County Coroner Greg Merchant pronounced Wheeler dead at the scene. Merchant ruled Wheeler”s death the result of massive blunt force trauma.
The Dispatch Editorial Board is made up of publisher Peter Imes, columnist Slim Smith, managing editor Zack Plair and senior newsroom staff.
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