NATCHEZ, Miss. — Friends, coworkers, and local residents are mourning the loss of Michael Pennington, 65, after a tragic car crash on Sargent S. Prentiss Drive late Saturday night.
Pennington, a familiar face in Natchez for years through his work at Walmart and Domino’s, had just finished his shift and was reportedly on his way home when the accident occurred. Friends and neighbors took to social media Sunday morning to express their grief and share memories of Pennington.
According to Natchez Police Department Investigator Jerry Brown, Pennington was driving a sedan southbound near the Liberty Road bridge when a pickup truck driven by 37-year-old Jonathan Cook of Natchez struck his vehicle from behind. The impact caused Pennington’s car to overturn. He was pronounced dead at the scene from injuries sustained in the crash.
Brown added that Cook refused DUI testing at the scene. He was transported to Merit Health Natchez, where a blood sample was collected and sent to the Mississippi State Crime Lab for analysis. Cook was taken into custody and charged with driving under the influence, and additional charges may follow as the investigation continues.
The community has expressed deep sorrow at Pennington’s passing, remembering him as a hardworking and friendly presence in Natchez.
This incident is under investigation, and authorities urge anyone with information to contact the Natchez Police Department.
This story was originally reported by The Natchez Democrat.
