The town of Shannon and surrounding communities are mourning the tragic loss of two men following a fatal crash late Sunday night along Highway 45 near the Shannon and Brewer exit in Lee County, Mississippi.
Lee County Coroner Carolyn Green confirmed that the victims were Michael Birks, 66, of Nettleton, and Michael McKinney, 27, of Calhoun City. Both men were pronounced dead at the scene after emergency crews responded to reports of a serious collision.
According to preliminary information released by authorities, Michael Birks was driving one of the vehicles involved in the crash, while Michael McKinney was a passenger in the other vehicle. First responders arrived quickly, but despite their efforts, both men succumbed to injuries sustained in the impact. The Shannon Police Department, along with other responding agencies, continues to investigate the circumstances that led to the collision. Officials have not yet released further details regarding contributing factors, and the investigation remains ongoing.
The sudden loss has sent shockwaves through multiple communities. Michael Birks was well known in Nettleton, where he was regarded as a devoted family man and a dependable friend. Those who knew him described him as calm, generous, and always willing to lend a helping hand. His steady presence and quiet kindness left a lasting mark on family members, neighbors, and longtime acquaintances.
Michael McKinney, a resident of Calhoun City, was remembered as a young man full of life and promise. Friends and loved ones say his warmth, compassion, and infectious energy made him someone people gravitated toward. Whether among coworkers, friends, or family, McKinney had a reputation for lifting spirits and showing genuine care for others.
As news of the crash spread, tributes and messages of sympathy poured in, reflecting the deep impact both men had on those around them. Their deaths serve as a sobering reminder of how quickly lives can be changed on Mississippi roadways.
Community members are now rallying around the grieving families, offering prayers, support, and comfort during an unimaginably difficult time. Funeral arrangements have not yet been publicly announced.
Michael Birks and Michael McKinney are remembered not only for the tragedy of their passing, but for the lives they lived and the love they shared. Their memories will endure in the hearts of those who knew them, as Shannon, Nettleton, and Calhoun City collectively mourn this heartbreaking loss.