Kayla Smith Accident Update – The Clay Edwards Show, Episode 1,010

In this episode, I set the record straight on the tragic death of Kayla Smith, a 26-year-old mother killed on Interstate 220 in Jackson, Mississippi, after a devastating sequence of events. Initially, I got some details wrong, and I’m owning that. Here’s what happened, based on information from Kayla’s family and my own review of the evidence. Kayla suffered a tire blowout, causing her to crash into the guardrail on I-220 near Watkins. She called 911 multiple times and her mom, taking photos of the scene while waiting for help. Her car was still partially on the road. Tragically, another vehicle—driven by someone the family refers to as “Lala”—struck Kayla’s car, which then hit Kayla and her young son. Kayla died at the scene, and her son was thrown a significant distance, suffering severe injuries, including at least one broken leg.

 

I’m heartbroken for Kayla, who I’ve learned was a selfless woman, always putting others first. She and her son were coming from a friend’s house, gathering items for a fundraiser to help a family member with cancer. Her son wasn’t even supposed to be with her—he’d decided at the last minute to go home instead of staying for vacation Bible school. The photos Kayla took before the fatal impact show her car facing one direction; post-accident images show it shifted, confirming the collision.

 

What infuriates me is the failure of Jackson’s 911 system. Kayla’s mom, coming from Raymond, beat first responders to the scene. I can’t stop thinking about whether blue lights or paramedics could’ve prevented this if they’d arrived sooner. Could they have secured the area, keeping that second car from hitting Kayla’s? I believe so, and it’s a gut punch. There’s been talk of a third vehicle or a hit-and-run, but I don’t buy it—sounds like confusion or deflection. The evidence points to Lala’s car hitting Kayla’s, causing the tragedy.

 

I’m skeptical of claims about police laughing at the scene; that feels like a stretch, even with JPD’s issues. My focus is on the 911 breakdown, which I lay at the feet of Jackson’s leadership. Kayla’s family deserves answers, and I hope they pursue justice against the city. This loss—an angel on Earth, raising money for others, gone in an instant—has shaken our community. My prayers are with her son, her parents, and everyone mourning her. I’ll keep you updated as more comes to light.