Spring Break
Former MSU student loses life in auto accident
Game warden charged in crash that killed two, left one in critical condition
Carl Smith
Issue date: 1/29/08 Section: News
Many students and alumni began this week with heavy hearts after learning of the death of an MSU student enrolled in the fall 2007 semester.
Matthew Gaskin, 23, was killed in a single-car accident on Oktoc Road early Friday morning.
Gaskin, a senior exercise physiology major and a member of the Sigma Chi fraternity, and Jessica Burks, 27, of Long Meadow Subdivision, Starkville, were pronounced dead at the scene of the accident by Oktibbeha County coroner Michael Hunt.
The driver of the vehicle faces a felony charge for fleeing the scene and could potentially face further charges.
Heather McMillian, 26, sustained severe internal injuries from the accident. She was assessed at Oktibbeha County Hospital and then airlifted to the North Mississippi Medical Center in Tupelo. McMillian was last reported in stable but critical condition.
Hunt said it appeared that the passengers were not wearing their seatbelts.
The Oktibbeha County Sheriff's Department arrived at the scene of the accident involving a 2001 green Jeep Wrangler at approximately 5:30 a.m. after receiving an emergency call from the driver, Ryan T. Crick, 25, Ridgeland. Crick reportedly fled the scene before officials arrived. He turned himself in to the Sheriff's Department.
Crick was charged with leaving the scene of an accident and released on a $25,000 bond.
George Carrithers, Chief Deputy of the Oktibbeha County Sheriff's Department, said blood samples have been sent to the state crime lab for testing.
"The wreck is still under investigation, but we could see more charges once the blood work gets back," Carrithers said. "I can't put a timeline on how long that will take; the lab has 81 other counties that they do work for."
Whether alcohol was involved is still under investigation.
Leigh Anne Purviance, an MSU graduate, said Gaskin touched the hearts of many and had a way of bringing joy and happiness to everyone in his presence.
Matthew Gaskin, 23, was killed in a single-car accident on Oktoc Road early Friday morning.
Gaskin, a senior exercise physiology major and a member of the Sigma Chi fraternity, and Jessica Burks, 27, of Long Meadow Subdivision, Starkville, were pronounced dead at the scene of the accident by Oktibbeha County coroner Michael Hunt.
The driver of the vehicle faces a felony charge for fleeing the scene and could potentially face further charges.
Heather McMillian, 26, sustained severe internal injuries from the accident. She was assessed at Oktibbeha County Hospital and then airlifted to the North Mississippi Medical Center in Tupelo. McMillian was last reported in stable but critical condition.
Hunt said it appeared that the passengers were not wearing their seatbelts.
The Oktibbeha County Sheriff's Department arrived at the scene of the accident involving a 2001 green Jeep Wrangler at approximately 5:30 a.m. after receiving an emergency call from the driver, Ryan T. Crick, 25, Ridgeland. Crick reportedly fled the scene before officials arrived. He turned himself in to the Sheriff's Department.
Crick was charged with leaving the scene of an accident and released on a $25,000 bond.
George Carrithers, Chief Deputy of the Oktibbeha County Sheriff's Department, said blood samples have been sent to the state crime lab for testing.
"The wreck is still under investigation, but we could see more charges once the blood work gets back," Carrithers said. "I can't put a timeline on how long that will take; the lab has 81 other counties that they do work for."
Whether alcohol was involved is still under investigation.
Leigh Anne Purviance, an MSU graduate, said Gaskin touched the hearts of many and had a way of bringing joy and happiness to everyone in his presence.
Viewing Comments 1 - 6 of 6
kris
posted 1/31/08 @ 4:29 PM CST
Mattew was an amazing man who gave so much joy to others. His smile alone brightened your day.
Artemis Schubert
posted 2/01/08 @ 3:12 AM CST
Why does it seem death of any kind at MSU always gets the front page? Two his week, one last week. Parading their memories around in the newspaper is as immoral as parading around their own bodies. (Continued…)
Leigh Anne
posted 2/01/08 @ 8:35 AM CST
Artemis,
Printing an article on about a student that has died is a way to remember the student and honor them. It is, in a way, a type of memorial for that student and a way for the people that may not have known the student to know a little about them and it allows people to let others know how special that person was. (Continued…)
kris
posted 2/01/08 @ 1:34 PM CST
Don't know if you'll print this but... what a lonely, unfriendy, insecure and unbelievable "Ass" Artemis must be. It helps everyone cope with a death when you can talk about it or read about it. (Continued…)
Artemis
posted 2/01/08 @ 9:41 PM CST
You two are no fun. Instead of taking the "high road" and acted above what I said, you went below and insulted me. I'd rather my family and friends get over my death early because then they can continue ther lives without sulking. (Continued…)
Kris
posted 2/04/08 @ 10:38 AM CST
We're not sulking. We all loved him and are celebrating his life. Remembering all the funny things he did and said. Its obvious to me that you've lost no one that you were really close to. (Continued…)
Post a Comment