‘A terrible tragedy’: 12-year-old dead after being hit by vehicle in D’Iberville

D’IBERVILLE, Miss. (WLOX) - A Biloxi family is grieving after the loss of 12-year-old Tristan Smith Sunday afternoon.

Authorities say the Biloxi Junior High 7th grader was hit by a Jeep while trying to cross Lamey Bridge Road, just north of Sangani Boulevard in D’Iberville.

Chief Nobles says officers and fire rescue personnel responded to the scene around 2:30 p.m. When first responders arrived, they immediately began life-saving efforts with the assistance of an off-duty nurse who stopped to assist.

Police say medical personnel advised officers of the severity of the injuries. At this point, a D’Iberville Police officer immediately transported the victim to Merit Health Biloxi, with a nurse and firefighter traveling with the victim in the vehicle to continue life-saving measures.

Harrison County Coroner Brian Switzer confirms Smith died at the hospital shortly after due to blunt force trauma.

“Sadly, despite the efforts of all involved, the juvenile victim succumbed to the injuries sustained at the hospital; it’s a terrible tragedy,” Chief Nobles said in a press release Monday morning.

Police say the initial investigation revealed that Smith, with friends, was attempting to cross Lamey Bridge Road near the C-Store west toward Academy Sports when a Jeep traveling south struck him.

The D’Iberville Police Department and the Biloxi Police Department are investigating the incident, but they say no charges are expected at this time.

“The men and women of the D’Iberville Police Department send their prayers to the family of Tristan at this terrible time,” the press release read.

If you have any information regarding this incident or any other, please contact the D’Iberville Police Department at 228-396-4252, Mississippi Coast Crime Stoppers at 877-787-5898 or www.mscoastcrimestoppers.com. Tips to Crime Stoppers are confidential, and callers can remain anonymous.

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