Ole Miss student killed in motorcycle crash

Published 4:25 pm Wednesday, November 2, 2016

A University of Mississippi student was killed Tuesday night in Marshall County when his motorcycle collided with a pick-up truck on Highway 7.

According to the Mississippi Highway Patrol, Johnathan Arthur Cleveland, 20, was traveling south on Highway 7 around 10 p.m. when his motorcycle made contact with a Toyota Tacoma that was turning left onto Highway 7 from Highway 4 just outside of Holly Springs. The Toyota was driven by Anthony Miller of Waterford.

Cleveland died at the scene.

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MHP Trooper First Class Joey Miller said the crash is still under investigation.

Cleveland was a sophomore criminal justice major at Ole Miss. He also served in the Ole Miss Army ROTC program.

Commanding Officer LTC E. Scott Walton said Cleveland touched many lives while part of the program.

“He was a committed cadet who always had a positive attitude and had the ability to improve fellow cadets morale despite challenging situations,” Walton said. “He will be missed and our thoughts and prayers are with his family during this difficult time.”

The university sent out a statement in regards to Cleveland’s death Wednesday:

“We were deeply saddened to hear about Johnathan’s passing,” said Brandi Hephner LaBanc, UM’s vice chancellor for student affairs. “He was a valued member of our campus community and served in our ROTC program.

“Please keep Johnathan’s friends, fellow cadets, classmates and family in your thoughts and prayers — this is a very sad time for the Ole Miss family.”

Details regarding arrangements and services will be shared when they become available.

University officials said representatives from the University Counseling Center are available to individuals who would like to talk with someone.