Wayne City Man Injured in Pickup-Deer Crash on Route 161 Extension
By Mark Wells March 3, 2025
A 31-year-old man from Wayne City, James Burge, was injured in a pickup truck-deer accident on Friday night, according to Marion County Sheriff Kevin Cripps. The incident occurred just before 9:30 p.m. on the Route 161 Extension at the Johnson Road intersection, southeast of Iuka.
Sheriff Cripps reported that Burge was driving westbound at a high speed when his vehicle collided with the deer. The impact caused the pickup truck to veer off the road, jump a ditch, and travel through a field. The vehicle then crossed Johnson Road, ascended an embankment, and finally stopped in a field after going through a fence.
An Air Evac Helicopter was initially dispatched to the scene. However, the helicopter was canceled before arrival when it was determined that Burge’s injuries were not severe. He refused hospital treatment and left the scene with a family member, who may have taken him for medical care.
Sheriff Cripps indicated that the State’s Attorney will decide on any potential arrests resulting from the incident.
