An early morning wreck on Highway 13 north outside of Prentiss Thursday morning claimed the life of a recent high school graduate.

Officers responded to the accident at the Mt. Olive Road crossing just before 6 a.m.

A Nissan Altima driven by Shermiyah Jefferson, 18, of New Hebron, entered the highway from Mt. Olive Road and was struck by a Southern Tire Mart tractor-trailer. Jefferson died at the scene. She graduated from Lawrence County High School just one week ago on May 16.

“On behalf of the entire Lawrence County School District, we are shocked and deeply saddened by the sudden and untimely passing of Shermiyah,” said Lawrence County Superintendent John Daley. “Just last week she marched across the stage as a part of the LCHS Class of 2024 and received her diploma. Our thoughts, prayers and support will be with her family, friends and classmates now and in the days to come.”

The driver of the tractor-trailer received minor injuries.