Warren County Mourns Tragic Loss of Robert Sibley, 84, in Fatal Accident on Oak Ridge Road
WARREN COUNTY, Miss. — A quiet Wednesday morning turned tragic as a single-vehicle accident on Oak Ridge Road near Chandler’s Cove claimed the life of 84-year-old Robert Sibley, a longtime resident of Warren County. The heartbreaking incident unfolded just after 7:30 a.m., prompting an immediate response from emergency personnel and local residents.
According to reports from the Vicksburg Warren 911 Call Center, authorities received a call regarding an accident involving a vehicle that had collided with a tree on Oak Ridge Road, between Villanova Drive and Villanova Road. The tree had fallen earlier and was partially blocking the roadway, creating hazardous driving conditions in the area.
Initial emergency dispatches indicated that a car traveling westbound had struck the fallen tree. Upon arrival, first responders found the driver, later identified as Robert Sibley, unresponsive. Air Care was placed on standby, but tragically, Sibley was pronounced dead at the scene before any airlift could be arranged.
In a further tragic development, it was later confirmed that several citizens had stopped in an effort to assist with clearing the tree from the road. During these efforts, a westbound vehicle made contact not only with the fallen tree but also with Sibley, who was on foot at the time. The details surrounding the impact are still under investigation, but officials have confirmed that the collision with the second vehicle resulted in the fatal injuries.
Sibley, known in the community as a kind and active neighbor, was remembered fondly by those who knew him. Friends and family describe him as someone who deeply cared for his community and frequently stepped up to help others, even in his later years. His untimely death has left those close to him—and the broader Warren County community—reeling with grief.
In the wake of the incident, authorities closed Oak Ridge Road between Villanova Road and Villanova Drive to allow for a thorough investigation and cleanup. Officials have advised drivers to seek alternate routes and expect extended closures while first responders and investigators work at the scene.
The Vicksburg Police Department, Warren County Sheriff’s Office, and other emergency services are continuing to gather details to determine the exact circumstances surrounding the accident. It remains unclear whether any charges will be filed in relation to the incident, though foul play is not currently suspected.
Community members have begun offering prayers and condolences to the Sibley family, reflecting on a life marked by quiet generosity and community involvement. His passing serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by sudden road hazards and the risks involved—even for those simply trying to help.
As the investigation continues, Warren County holds tight to the memory of Robert Sibley—a man whose final moments were spent trying to ensure the safety of others. Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced in the coming days.