STARKVILLE — Mississippi State track and field runner Kaelin Kersh died in a car accident early Sunday morning. She graduated with a degree in kinesiology and health fitness studies on Friday after turning 22 last month.
Kersh, a native of Pearl, ran for Pearl High School and was coached by her father, George.
“I will always remember Kaelin by her incredible smile,” MSU track and field coach Steve Dudley said in a statement. “Kaelin always had a positive attitude and this was contagious to everyone around her. Kaelin was a member of the most successful era of women’s track and field at Mississippi State and that was largely due to the tight bond between her and her teammates. We all loved her, and Kaelin will remain in our hearts forever. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Kersh family and to the other families involved.”
The crash occurred around 1:24 a.m. at the intersection of Mayhew Road and Highway 182, according to the Mississippi Highway Patrol. The car in which Kersh was a passenger, a 2002 Toyota Corolla, collided with a MHP vehicle traveling east on 182 attempting to verify a report of a vehicle leaving the road elsewhere. The Corolla entered the highway and the SUV crashed into its left side.
MHP spokesman Criss Turnipseed said the speed of both vehicles and any presence of alcohol both remain under investigation.
Kersh was pronounced dead at the scene.
There were three people in the Corolla: Kersh, another passenger, Tanequa Alexander, and driver Noel Collier. Collier, 21, was taken to OCH Regional Medical Center with moderate injuries before transferring to University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson. Alexander, 22, was also taken to OCH with moderate injuries before transfer to North Mississippi Medical Center in Tupelo.
The MHP trooper involved, who has not yet been named, was taken to Baptist Memorial Hospital-Golden Triangle in Columbus with minor injuries.
Kersh finished her senior season this spring, with her best performance coming in finishing fourth in the 800-meter race of the Bulldog Relays in March. Kersh’s most recent action was finishing sixth in the 800 at the LSU Alumni Gold Invitational on April 22.
The Southeastern Conference championship meet is scheduled for this week, May 11-13, at South Carolina.
“The entire Mississippi State family mourns the tragic loss of Kaelin,” MSU athletic director John Cohen said in a statement. “Our thoughts and prayers are with Kaelin’s family, friends, teammates and coaches. She represented Mississippi State in a first-class manner and earned her degree. We will be here to provide support and comfort to her family and teammates during the grieving process.”
This is the second consecutive May commencement weekend at MSU to be marred by tragedy. Last May, junior Andrew Scott Demboski was killed when he fell through the roof of the south scoreboard at Davis Wade Stadium.
Follow Dispatch sports writer Brett Hudson on Twitter, @Brett_Hudson
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