On April 1, 2025, Elijah Crump, a December graduate in the Oxford High School class of 2025, was involved in a one-vehicle wreck on County Road 309 that claimed his life. Crump, 17, had been driving the vehicle and was flown by helicopter to Regional One Health in Memphis. He passed away in transport and was pronounced dead upon arrival at the hospital.
“Elijah was looking forward to walking in the graduation ceremony in May with his classmates,” Dana Bullard, principal of Oxford High School, said. “It is a reminder to us how deeply he valued connection with his peers, celebration and shared accomplishment. One of the things I most admired about Elijah is that he did not pretend to have it all figured out–but he wasn’t afraid to try. There is a wisdom in that: life doesn’t ask us to be perfect, but to be present–just willing to learn, to try again, and to keep becoming the best version of ourselves.”
Senior Martone Pegues has been a family friend of Crump’s since early childhood. Pegues has known Crump since before he lived in Oxford, when Crump had lived in South Panola and Batesville. Pegues found out about the accident shortly after it happened and was in disbelief.
“I was at work,” Pegues said. “Kamari Jones texted me and said that Elijah got into a wreck. I didn’t believe it because it was April Fools Day. Then she called me crying. After I hung up on her I called his phone and he didn’t pick up, his dad did. His dad and my dad are almost like brothers, and my dad has been in his house ever since his passing. His dad told me that he passed quickly. I left work right after.”
During his time at Oxford High School, Crump was known for encouraging others and always seeing a silver lining.
“He was the most kindhearted person I ever met,” senior M’Layjah Dukes said. “He had such good energy, always motivating people and uplifting people. Elijah wanted everyone to be the best version of themselves that they could be. He wanted everyone to stay motivated and stay on top of their stuff. I want to keep carrying that on.”
Crump made a positive impact on those at Oxford High School, and those who knew him want to ensure that his legacy is remembered.
“Personally, he taught me to keep a smile on my face,” Pegues said. “He was always smiling, every day. Some days he would have a bad day or be mad about something but he would still be smiling. He had really good manners too. He was always very respectful.”
Outside of having an optimistic attitude, Crump was also known to encourage and motivate his peers to work hard and become a better version of themselves.
“He always wanted to see you thrive,” Pegues said. “He had motivational speeches just about every day. If you were going through something he would try to get you through it. I say he was a person that looked out for his people.”
The loss of life following the accident on County Road 309 is devastating, and as students mourn losing a friend and classmate, many are choosing to look back on happy memories with Crump.
“Every day that I hung out with Elijah was a good time to look back on,” Dukes said. “I just really miss him.”
The following is a statement released by Oxford High School after Crump’s death.
“It is with deep sorrow that we acknowledge the death of one of our own, a December graduate of OHS, Elijah Crump. We are devastated by his loss and by the thought of the wonderful potential of his life. Elijah was well-known and loved by all on campus. His family, friends, and classmates will miss him terribly. His family appreciates your concern for them and they want his classmates to press forward toward their dreams. Counselors will be available for students and faculty should they need to speak with someone.”
