Kaelin Kersh, 22, a 2013 graduate of Pearl (MS) High and a member of the Mississippi State University track and field team, died Sunday following a car accident in Mississippi.
According to reports, Kersh graduated from Mississippi State University on Friday with a degree in kinesiology and health fitness studies. She competed for the Bulldogs in the DMR and in the 4x400 relay.
She was the daughter of George Kersh, a former high school national record holder in the 800m who coaches at Pearl High.
Kaelin Kersh was a two-time state champion in the 800m with a high school PR of 2:13.11.
Mississippi Highway Patrol reported the crash occurred in Starkville around 1:24 a.m. Kersh was in the backseat of a 2002 Toyota Corolla when it was struck by a MHP SUV, which was responding to a report of a vehicle leaving the MS 182 roadway.
The driver of the Corolla was 21-year-old Noel Collier of Madison. She was transferred to UMC Jackson with moderate injuries, the MHP reported. Tanequa Alexander, 22, was also transferred to a nearby hospital and was reported with moderate injuries.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to Kersh's family, friends, teammates, coaches and the Mississippi track and cross country community over this difficult time.
