Wreck kills one, reminds others of blessing

Published 12:00 am Saturday, November 27, 2010

FAYETTE — A Wednesday afternoon accident on U.S. 61 left one man dead and another family with a new understanding for true meaning of Thanksgiving.

James Stampley, 61, of Fayette was killed when he attempted to turn left onto Mississippi 33 in front of an F150.

The truck collided with the side of Stampley’s 1988 Ford Escort, sending both vehicles rolling.

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The driver of the F150, Richard Phillips of Madison, was unharmed.

His passengers, three children, all walked away without serious injuries as well.

Adam Phillips, 10, of Natchez was among the passengers, and his grandfather Bill McKenzie said the family realized just how lucky they were.

“They were all wearing their seat belts, and that’s why they made it through this holiday alive,” McKenzie said. “We just are as happy as we can be.”

Adam is the son of Richard Phillips and of Amy and Jeff Gamberi of Natchez.

Adam and his cousins Laura Reilly, 8, and Will Reilly, 6, of Brandon, were all transported to the hospital, but are fine, McKenzie said.

Stampley, who was pronounced dead at the scene, was also wearing his seat belt, Mississippi Highway Patrol Sgt. Rusty Boyd said. Stampley was partially ejected from the vehicle.

Funeral arrangements for Stampley are incomplete at Spencer Funeral Home.