Pine Belt, Mississippi (December 24, 2025) — Two motorcyclists were killed just after midnight Wednesday in a crash involving a commercial tractor-trailer on Old Highway 42 near U.S. Highway 49, according to the Hattiesburg Police Department. The victims were identified as Gabrial Bicknell, 35, and Dawson Bang, 25, both of Petal, Mississippi.
Incident Details: The collision occurred shortly after midnight along Old Highway 42, a roadway that intersects with traffic traveling to and from U.S. Highway 49. Police said a commercial tractor-trailer was involved in the crash with the two motorcycles. Both riders suffered fatal injuries and were pronounced dead at the scene by responding authorities.
Limited details have been released regarding how the collision occurred, including the direction of travel of the vehicles or whether additional vehicles were involved. No information has been provided about injuries to the tractor-trailer driver. The area surrounding Old Highway 42 is a mix of local and through traffic, which can present heightened risks for motorcyclists during overnight hours.
Investigation: The Hattiesburg Police Department is investigating the cause of the crash. In fatal motorcycle collisions involving large commercial vehicles, investigators typically examine lane positioning, speed, visibility, and whether the truck driver and motorcyclists had sufficient time to perceive and react to one another.
Because the crash occurred just after midnight, lighting conditions, traffic volume, and driver alertness will likely be important factors. Investigators are expected to review physical evidence from the scene, including vehicle damage, debris patterns, and final resting positions, to reconstruct the sequence of events. They may also investigate whether roadway design or signage contributed to the collision.
Legal Considerations: Motorcycle crashes involving tractor-trailers often have devastating outcomes due to the extreme size and weight disparity between the vehicles. From a civil standpoint, determining liability involves evaluating whether all parties were operating their vehicles safely and in compliance with traffic laws, as well as whether factors such as speed, visibility, or road conditions contributed to the crash.
In cases like this, involving fatal motorcycle crashes, Bicknell’s and Bang’s surviving loved ones may consider pursuing wrongful death claims to address funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and the lasting emotional and financial impact of their loss. Although nothing can reverse this tragic event, pursuing accountability is often a crucial part of finding answers.
I extend my sincere condolences to the families and loved ones of Gabrial Bicknell and Dawson Bang during this difficult time.
Source: WDAM News