SILVER CREEK — A Monticello business man died Sunday afternoonfollowing a two-vehicle accident on Highway 84 East.

Michael Wayne Russell, 51, of Monticello, died at LawrenceCounty Hospital after being thrown from his vehicle around 1 p.m.Sunday, said Lawrence County Coroner Dr. Joe Ward.

Minnie Perkins, 46, of New Hebron, was the driver of the secondvehicle. She was taken to Lawrence County Hospital, where she wastreated and released.

Russell’s son-in-law, Anthony “Twan” Britt, also sustainedinjuries in the accident. He was taken to Lawrence County Hospital,then transferred to King’s Daughters Medical Center, where he wastreated and released.

Ward said the town has been deeply saddened by Russell’s deathbecause he had such an impact on the area.

“He was a developer who had done so much for this community inthe last 10 years,” said Ward. “Most of the growth in this area canbe attributed to him. It’s quite a loss.”

City Clerk Ruth Spicer echoed Ward’s comments. She said Russellwas a “one of a kind person” and he will be missed, both as aperson and as a businessman.

“He’s done so much to bring business and industry to LawrenceCounty and Monticello,” Spicer said.

Among the businesses Russell had a hand in bringing to thecommunity were Fred’s, the pizza restaurants, many conveniencestores and others, Spicer said.

“We’re still getting businesses here because of Mike,” Spicersaid of Russell’s entrepreneurial endeavors.

Russell was a member of Monticello Baptist Church and issurvived by many family and friends, added Ward. Spicer mentionedthat plans were under way for Russell to be the first person buriedin the church’s cemetery.

“He was a very big supporter of Monticello Baptist Church,”Spicer said.

Wilson Funeral Home in Monticello is in charge of arrangements,which are incomplete at this time.