ATTALA COUNTY, Miss. — July 25, 2025 — The Mississippi Highway Patrol (MHP) is investigating a fatal crash involving two 18-wheelers and a passenger vehicle that occurred Friday on Highway 12, near the Holmes County line in Attala County. The deadly incident claimed the lives of 67-year-old Rosquette Raul of Royal Palm Beach, Florida, and 45-year-old John Headges, Jr. of Kilmichael, Mississippi.
The crash, which took place in the afternoon hours, involved a 2008 Volvo tractor-trailer driven by Rosquette Raul, a Freightliner truck operated by John Headges, Jr., and a Toyota passenger car driven by a minor from Lexington, Mississippi.
According to MHP investigators, Rosquette Raul was traveling eastbound on Highway 12 in the Volvo tractor-trailer. Just ahead of him, also traveling eastbound, was the Toyota driven by the juvenile. Coming from the opposite direction, westbound on the same highway, was the Freightliner driven by John Headges, Jr.
The Freightliner reportedly collided head-on with the Volvo in a devastating impact. The force of the crash pushed Raul’s Volvo into the eastbound Toyota, resulting in a multi-vehicle collision that instantly turned deadly.
Both Rosquette Raul and John Headges, Jr. sustained fatal injuries and were pronounced dead at the scene by first responders. Emergency crews worked quickly to secure the crash site, but the extensive damage to both tractor-trailers indicated that neither driver likely survived the initial impact.
Miraculously, the juvenile driver of the Toyota walked away unharmed. According to MHP, the minor did not suffer any injuries and was released to their family after being checked by emergency personnel.
Investigation Ongoing
The Mississippi Highway Patrol launched a thorough investigation at the crash site, with officers, crash reconstruction specialists, and forensic units collecting evidence, photographing the scene, and inspecting all three vehicles involved. Authorities have not yet determined the exact cause of the crash, though they are exploring whether one of the trucks may have crossed the center line or lost control.
Highway 12 was shut down for several hours as law enforcement and cleanup crews worked to remove the damaged vehicles and restore safe driving conditions. The road has since been reopened.
Remembering the Victims
The deaths of Rosquette Raul and John Headges, Jr. have left a deep void in both the Florida and Mississippi communities.
Rosquette Raul, 67, was a seasoned truck driver who had spent decades in the industry. His family remembers him as a dedicated professional who enjoyed the freedom of the open road. “He was cautious and responsible, and he truly loved what he did,” said a family member in Royal Palm Beach.
John Headges, Jr., 45, of Kilmichael, Mississippi, was also a well-respected figure in the trucking community. Friends described him as a hardworking, family-oriented man who always prioritized safety. “John was the kind of person who would go out of his way to help a fellow driver or a neighbor. This is just heartbreaking,” said a longtime friend and coworker.
Call for Caution on Rural Highways
This tragic event underscores the risks associated with driving on Mississippi’s rural highways, where high speeds and limited visibility can contribute to devastating accidents. Authorities are once again urging motorists—especially operators of large commercial vehicles—to remain alert and drive cautiously.
Public Assistance and Next Steps
The Mississippi Highway Patrol is continuing its investigation and encourages anyone who may have witnessed the collision or has information to contact their Troop E office or the MHP Public Affairs Division.
Funeral arrangements for both Rosquette Raul and John Headges, Jr. are currently being coordinated by their respective families and are expected to be announced in the coming days.
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