Bayou Academy Football Player Joshua Benjamin Willoughby Passes Away Tragically At 16 In Car Crash, Leaving Parents, Sarah Smith And Justin, Heartbroken!
Sarah Scott
Published May 15, 2026
Bayou Academy Football Player Joshua Benjamin Willoughby Passes Away Tragically At 16 In Car Crash, Leaving Parents, Sarah Smith And Justin, Heartbroken!
He was an animal lover,especially fond of dogs.
July 9, 2026
This article was last updated by Manoj Gadtaula on July 9, 2026
Joshua Benjamin, a rising senior and standout defensive end at Bayou Academy in Boyle, Mississippi, tragically passed away early Tuesday, July 8, 2026, after a car crash on Yale Street in Cleveland, MS.
The crash occurred at approximately 7:00 AM on July 8, 2026, on Yale Street in Cleveland, Mississippi.
This accident claimed the lives of two Bayou Academy students, 16-year-old Joshua Benjamin and his friend Ryder Houser.
The boys were traveling in a 1986 Toyota truck when their vehicle collided with a 2019 Dodge Ram driven by a 29-year-old deputy from the Bolivar County Sheriff’s Office.
Both Josh and Ryder were pronounced dead at the scene, while the deputy sustained moderate injuries and was transported for medical treatment.
In the wake of this tragedy, the Bayou Academy community is mourning the .
The Mississippi Highway Patrol is conducting a thorough investigation. As of now, no definitive findings have been released regarding fault or potential charge.
The Tragic Car Crash Claimed The Life Of Athlete Joshua Willoughby!
Joshua Benjamin “Josh” Willoughby was a senior at Bayou Academy, where he played football, swam, played soccer, and was passionate about fitness.
As a defensive end for Bayou Academy’s Colts, he earned respect for his strength, discipline, and leadership.
He also worked at Delta Dog House and dreamed of owning his own mechanic business.
Joshua Benjamin “Josh” Willoughby is survived by his loving parents, Sarah Smith and Justin Willoughby, as well as his siblings, Madison, Anna Kay, and Elizabeth Grace.
He also leaves behind his close friend, Chris Bush, and his grandfather, Albert Benjamin Willoughby III, affectionately known as “PopPop.”
Josh’s extended family, teammates, coaches, and many friends mourn the loss of his kind heart and vibrant spirit.
He was an animal lover, especially fond of dogs, and in honor of that love, his family requested that memorials be made to the Bolivar County Humane Society.
Our heartfelt condolences go out to Joshua Benjamin Willoughby’s family, friends, and well-wishers.
Rest In Peace, Beautiful Soul!
In Case You Didn’t Know
- A visitation to honor Josh’s life will take place on Thursday, July 10, 2026, from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM at Cleveland Funeral Home.
- A Celebration of Life service will begin at 1:00 PM in the funeral home chapel, officiated by Reverend Park Neff.
- Check other Articles on
Sangita is a passionate blogger with a keen eye for covering recent and trending news, particularly in the world of sports. Her love for travel and nature fuels her writing, adding a vibrant and refreshing perspective to her work. When she's not chasing the latest headlines, Sangita can be found exploring new destinations, capturing the beauty of nature, and sharing her adventures with her audience. Her unique blend of interests and expertise makes her blog a go-to source for both news enthusiasts and fellow travelers.
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