LARKSDALE — Coahoma County Deputy Sheriff Jerry Wayne Hudgins died Friday night in a one-vehicle accident near Mississippi Highway 1 west of Clarksdale.
Sheriff Andrew Thompson Jr. said today that Hudgins, 43, was responding to a call to Stovall Grocery when his car left Stovall Road and hit a tree. The accident occurred about 9:50 p.m.
“There are some bad curves on Stovall Road,” Thompson said.
Thompson said Hudgins was going to investigate a report of some “suspicious looking guys” at the grocery. The sheriff said three deputies were dispatched in separate vehicles.
A deputy who was following Hudgins along Stovall Road reported “seeing blue lights” and then “they disappeared,” Thompson said.
Thompson said deputy began to back track on Stovall Road and discovered Hudgins’ vehicle slammed into a tree.
An autopsy has been ordered.
County Coroner Scotty Meredith pronounced Hudgins dead at the scene.
Thompson said Hudgins started out as a part-time deputy in October 1996. Hudgins completed his training at the Mississippi Law Enforcement Academy and became a full-time deputy in October 2003.
“Wayne just celebrated his fourth year as a full-time deputy,” Thompson said. “Wayne was energetic. He never refused an assignment and you could rest assured it will be done.” Thompson called Hudgins “conscientious. A person who was well liked in the county.”
Funeral services are scheduled 2 p.m. Tuesday at Clarksdale Baptist Church. A list of survivors was not available.