Vancleave Man Killed in Tragic I-10 Hit-and-Run; Authorities Searching for Two Vehicles
JACKSON COUNTY, MS — A tragic hit-and-run crash on the evening of Wednesday, June 25, 2025, has claimed the life of 62-year-old Michael Urbani of Vancleave, leaving a tight-knit Mississippi community in shock and mourning. The deadly collision occurred at approximately 8:48 p.m. on Interstate 10 westbound, between mile markers 68 and 69—a stretch of road now marked by grief, unanswered questions, and an ongoing search for justice.
According to the Mississippi Highway Patrol (MHP), Urbani had exited his vehicle for reasons that are still under investigation when he was struck by two separate vehicles—both of which fled the scene without stopping to render aid. First responders were dispatched immediately after multiple 911 calls reported a pedestrian being struck. Despite their swift arrival, Urbani was pronounced dead at the scene due to the severity of his injuries.
Preliminary investigations suggest that the first vehicle that hit Urbani was possibly a dark-colored sedan. Moments later, a second vehicle—described by witnesses as a light-colored pickup truck—allegedly ran over him again. Neither driver remained at the scene, and both continued westbound on I-10. Authorities are urging any witnesses or motorists who were in the area during the time of the crash to come forward with information that might help identify the suspects involved.
“This is a heartbreaking situation. Someone lost their life, and two individuals made the unconscionable decision to leave the scene without helping,” said Jackson County Sheriff John Ledbetter. “We’re working with state and federal agencies, analyzing traffic cameras and nearby business surveillance footage to piece together exactly what happened and who is responsible.”
Michael Urbani was a longtime resident of Vancleave, known in his community as a kind-hearted neighbor, a dedicated friend, and a loving father and grandfather. His sudden and violent death has left family members devastated and pleading for answers. In a statement released to local media, his daughter, Laura Urbani, said, “My father didn’t deserve this. He was just trying to get home. We are begging anyone who saw anything, anything at all, to please come forward. Help us find the people who did this.”
In the aftermath of the collision, traffic on I-10 westbound was brought to a standstill for several hours as investigators worked to collect evidence and document the scene. Pieces of debris from the suspected vehicles were recovered and are being analyzed for possible matches to known makes and models. Investigators are also encouraging local body shops and auto parts retailers to report any recent repairs that may involve damage consistent with a pedestrian impact.
The Mississippi Crime Stoppers has announced a reward for information that leads to the identification and arrest of the individuals responsible. Anonymous tips can be submitted via their hotline or mobile app, and authorities stress that even the smallest detail could be crucial in cracking the case.
As the investigation continues, the community of Vancleave prepares to honor Michael Urbani’s memory with a candlelight vigil to be held later this week. Friends, family, and neighbors plan to gather not only to mourn his loss but also to raise awareness about the devastating impact of hit-and-run incidents—a growing concern across Mississippi and the country.
Anyone with information about the crash is urged to contact the Mississippi Highway Patrol at (601) 987-1212 or call Crime Stoppers at 1-888-8CRIMES.
This tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of responsibility on the road and the irreversible consequences of leaving the scene of an accident. For now, the search for justice continues as a grieving family and community await answers