SMITH COUNTY, MS — A tragic head-on collision on Highway 18 has claimed the life of 29-year-old Adam Gambrell, a dedicated paramedic, weather officer, husband, and father. The fatal crash occurred in Smith County and has left a deep void in the lives of all who knew him.
According to the Mississippi Highway Patrol, the accident took place when a Freightliner truck, driven by 61-year-old Roosevelt Newell, was traveling east on Highway 18. Gambrell was driving a Kia Forte westbound when, for reasons still under investigation, the two vehicles collided head-on. The impact proved fatal for Gambrell, who was pronounced dead at the scene.
Adam Gambrell was more than just a first responder—he was a pillar in his community. A paramedic with AmeriPro: Health EMS, he was known for his calm demeanor under pressure, his quick thinking, and his unwavering commitment to helping others in their most critical moments. Additionally, Gambrell served as an officer with the Mississippi Weather Network, where he contributed to severe weather tracking and public safety awareness efforts across the state.
Friends and colleagues describe Gambrell as a man of service and sincerity, someone who poured his heart into both his career and his family. His passion for emergency services was matched only by his devotion to his loved ones. At home, Adam was a loving husband and a proud new father to an infant son, whose life he had only just begun to shape.
“Adam was the kind of person you wanted with you in a crisis—focused, compassionate, and strong,” said a fellow paramedic. “He didn’t just save lives on the job; he touched lives every day.”
The news of his passing has sparked an outpouring of grief and support from across the state. Emergency services personnel, weather enthusiasts, and community members have taken to social media to share tributes, memories, and messages of condolence.
The Mississippi Weather Network issued a heartfelt statement, calling Adam “a valued member of our team and a true servant to the people of Mississippi,” while AmeriPro: Health EMS released a message mourning the loss of “one of our finest—an individual who truly embodied the spirit of EMS.”
As the investigation into the crash continues, authorities have not yet released details about what led to the collision. No charges have been announced at this time.
Plans are being made for a public memorial service to honor Gambrell’s life, and local emergency responders are expected to take part in a procession paying tribute to his years of service.
Adam Gambrell’s life was one of purpose, integrity, and generosity. He lived to serve and protect, whether through medical emergencies, severe weather updates, or simply being a devoted family man. His loss is not only felt by those closest to him but by an entire community that is safer and stronger because he was part of it.
He will be remembered as a hero—both in uniform and at home.