Pennsylvania man killed in three-vehicle crash on Highway 43 in Hancock County

HANCOCK COUNTY, Miss. — A Pennsylvania man died following a three-vehicle crash Monday afternoon in Hancock County, according to the Mississippi Highway Patrol.

The crash happened at approximately 2 p.m. on Aug. 24, 2026, along Highway 43.

Investigators said a 2012 GMC 1500 driven by Donald Heater, 87, of Canadensis, Pennsylvania, was traveling south on Highway 43 with passenger Lucille Heater when it collided with a 2015 Ford Escort driven by William Israel, 83, of Picayune. The Ford Escort also had a passenger, Ira Montgomery of Picayune.

Following the initial collision, the Ford Escort struck a 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC driven by Kristin Rea, 61, of Kiln, who was traveling north on Highway 43.

Donald Heater suffered injuries in the crash and was transported to a nearby hospital, where he later died.

Lucille Heater, William Israel, Ira Montgomery and Kristin Rea were all transported to local hospitals for treatment of injuries sustained in the crash.

The cause of the crash has not been released, and the incident remains under investigation by the Mississippi Highway Patrol.

Anyone with information about the crash is encouraged to contact authorities.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.