Copiah County officials said a 20-year-old Wesson man diedfollowing an early Sunday one-vehicle accident near the LincolnCounty line.

Copiah County Coroner Ellis Stuart said David Russ Pickett, ofWesson, was pronounced dead at the University of MississippiMedical Center Sunday around 11:30 a.m. as a result of injuries hesustained when his vehicle left Bahalia Road and struck a tree.

Sheriff’s department officials said the accident occurred around 7a.m. Sunday. The car struck a tree about 100 yards after theturnoff on to Bahalia Road from Anderson Road, not far from theLincoln County line.

Both Pickett and his passenger, Prentiss Nelson Williams, also ofWesson, were transported to Hardy Wilson Memorial Hospital. Pickettwas airlifted from there to UMC.

Officials said neither occupant was ejected, and to their knowledgeWilliams’ injuries were not life-threatening.

“I don’t know if they were wearing seat belts since I wasn’t calledto the scene,” said Stuart.

Authorities said Williams told them he was asleep at the time ofthe impact and did not know the cause of the accident. Bothpassengers were able to exit the vehicle just after theaccident.

Pickett’s arrangements are being handled by Brookhaven FuneralHome. They are incomplete.