By John Howell Sr.
A 17-year-old Oxford High School senior died in a single car accident on Highway 310 Saturday night, Panola County Coroner Gracie Grant-Gulledge said.

Sarah Bial of Oxford was a passenger in a vehicle with four other seniors, the coroner said. Bial was pronounced dead shortly before midnight.

Another victim was flown by helicopter to the Med in Memphis. One was carried by ambulance to Memphis’ LeBonheur Children’s Hospital and two were transported by ambulance to Tri-Lakes Medical Center.

State Trooper Joseph Miller said that the five were traveling south in a 2004 Toyota Sequoia that went through the T-intersection at Highway 310 about 11:30 p.m. and crashed into the embankment on the south side of Highway 310. Bial was a passenger in the rear seat, Miller stated in an e-mail.

“The names of all involved are being withheld at this time due to their ages,” Miller said.

On Monday, John Semmes posted on comment on Facebook that indicates his daughter, Sophie Semmes was one of the injured. “Sophie is out of the trauma unit and in a private room, but with a long way to go,” the post stated. “Her care at LeBonheur Children’s Hospital is world class,” he added.

Another victim remains in the Level 1 Trauma unit at the Med, according to the post.
The trooper said the initial investigation indicated that all occupants had seat belts on at the time of the impact.

Three of the survivors are also students at Oxford High and one is a student at Magnolia Heights, according to published reports.

A spokesman for Oxford High School said that counselors will be available for students at the school throughout the week.

Waller Funeral Home of Oxford is in charge of Bial’s arrangements.