12-year-old riding bike hit and killed by tractor trailer in Mississippi, troopers say
A school community is mourning the loss of a 12-year-old killed while riding his bike in central Mississippi this week.
Anthony Wilder III died April 5 when a tractor trailer collided with his bike on U.S. 49 in Simpson County, according to Mississippi Highway Patrol. The truck was traveling southbound near New Hope Road when it hit a bicyclist in the right lane.
Anthony suffered fatal injuries and died at the scene, troopers said.
An outpouring of tributes followed news of the tragic crash involving Anthony, who was a sixth grade student at Magee Middle School.
He was best known for his “upbeat attitude” and playing trombone in the school band, according to a statement posted on the school’s Facebook page.
“Magee Middle will remember his happiest moments with us,” it read. “We will remember when he was breakdancing in the hallway, his spooky stories about a ‘siren man’ during Halloween, him making structures from toothpicks and marshmallows, and him enjoying the class’s snow cone party.”
“We give our hopes and prayers to his family and friends,” it concluded. “Anthony, we will miss you.”
Authorities haven’t announced charges, saying the crash remains under investigation.
Magee is about 40 miles southeast of Jackson.
This story was originally published April 7, 2022 at 11:52 AM with the headline "12-year-old riding bike hit and killed by tractor trailer in Mississippi, troopers say."