A pedestrian was struck by a Mississippi Highway Patrol vehicle over the weekend, according to the Tunica County Sheriff’s Department.

The incident occurredn Saturday around 12:39 a.m. on U.S. Highway 61 near Sonic. TCSO deputies, Tunica Police Department, Pafford, and First Responders were dispatched to the scene.

Upon responders’ arrival, it was discovered that the victim was seriously injured. The victim was treated on scene by Pafford Ambulance Service, but unfortunately the victim was pronounced deceased by Tunica County Coroner. The victim was identified as Cornelius Joiner, 27, of Tunica.

TCSO notified the DeSoto County Sheriff’s Office Crash Team to conduct an independent investigation, as well as the MS Highway Patrol Accident Reconstruction Team to investigate the accident.

“TCSO extends its heartfelt condolences and prayers to the family of Mr. Cornelius Joiner, as well as to the Mississippi Highway Patrolmen involved,” the Sheriff’s Department posted on Facebook.