Harrison County, MS (March 22, 2025) – An early morning crash on Interstate 10 claimed the life of 17-year-old Aaron Bolden, a Biloxi High School senior and basketball player, as he dealt with car trouble along the roadway.
Accident Details: The incident occurred at approximately 4:20 a.m. Saturday near mile marker 20 in Pass Christian when Bolden’s Jeep became disabled. Authorities say Bolden was standing in the left lane when a Freightliner Cascadia struck him. The Mississippi Highway Patrol identified the driver of the semi-truck as James Harvell, 80, of Gibsonville, North Carolina. Bolden was pronounced dead at the scene from blunt force trauma, confirmed Harrison County Coroner Brian Switzer.
Investigation and Legal Considerations: A key issue is how and why the Freightliner driver did not see the disabled Jeep or Aaron Bolden standing in the lane. Investigators will likely examine whether the Freightliner’s headlights and other lighting systems were functioning correctly at the time of the crash. Defective or dim headlights can significantly reduce a driver’s ability to spot hazards on the road—especially a stopped vehicle or pedestrian in a travel lane during early morning hours.
In addition, the driver’s attentiveness will be scrutinized. At 4:20 a.m., fatigue may have played a role, and investigators will likely review the driver’s hours-of-service records and electronic logging data to determine whether he complied with federal rest requirements. Distractions, such as mobile phone use, may also be examined.
Investigators may examine the truck’s dash camera footage, GPS data, and event data recorder (called the “black box”) to understand the truck’s speed, braking pattern, and lane positioning before the crash.
Ultimately, the Mississippi Highway Patrol’s investigation will determine if any negligence contributed to the crash. If negligence is found, Bolden’s family may have grounds to pursue a wrongful death claim.
I offer my condolences to Aaron Bolden’s loved ones, classmates, and the Biloxi High School community.
Source: NOLA.com