A tragic accident in Natchez, Mississippi, claimed the life of 42-year-old Lashonda Dixon early Sunday morning after she fell into a storm drain during heavy rainfall. The incident took place near Aldrich Street and Brenham Avenue, where ongoing construction work was being carried out on the drain system.
According to reports, emergency crews received a 911 call around 2:30 a.m. about a woman who had slipped and fallen into a storm drain while walking in the storm.
Victim Identified and Rescue Efforts
When first responders reached the scene, Dixon was unresponsive. Officials have yet to determine whether she died from the fall or drowned after being carried away by the strong water current.
Natchez Police Chief Cal Green stated that two people had initially fallen into the drain. While one person managed to escape and call for help, Dixon was swept away by the rushing water before rescuers could reach her.
Challenging Rescue Operation
According to Natchez Fire Chief Robert Arrington, the rescue mission was extremely difficult. Firefighters had to break sections of concrete around a manhole to insert their equipment and access the drain. Dixon’s body was eventually found about 20 feet from the point where she had fallen.
Arrington described the operation as “a tough job” due to the intense flow of stormwater and limited access to the underground drain system.
Community Mourning and Police Response
Police Chief Green expressed deep sympathy for Dixon’s family, calling the event “very tragic.” He added, “My heart goes out to her family and loved ones.”
The Natchez community has been left in shock, with residents urging for better safety measures near construction sites, especially during severe weather conditions.
