STONE COUNTY, Miss. — A Diamondhead woman was killed Thursday afternoon in a single-vehicle motorcycle crash on Highway 26 in Stone County, according to the Mississippi Highway Patrol.
Authorities identified the victim as 64-year-old Angela Coats. The crash occurred around 4:30 p.m. on August 14, 2025, when Coats was traveling eastbound on a 2017 Harley Davidson motorcycle.
Investigators said the motorcycle left the left side of the roadway and slammed into a bridge rail. Coats suffered fatal injuries in the impact and was pronounced dead at the scene by emergency responders.
No Other Vehicles Involved
The Mississippi Highway Patrol confirmed that no other vehicles were involved in the incident. Troopers are still investigating what caused the motorcycle to veer off the road, including whether road conditions, mechanical failure, or rider impairment played any role.
The crash site, located along a rural stretch of Highway 26, was temporarily shut down as crews worked to clear debris and reconstruct the scene.
Community Mourning a Vibrant Life
Word of Coats’ death has deeply shaken friends and neighbors in Diamondhead, who remember her as an independent, spirited woman with a love for the open road.
“She lived life to the fullest and never held back from an adventure,” said one family friend. “It’s hard to imagine she’s gone.”
Social media posts honoring Coats have poured in, many featuring photos of her on her beloved motorcycle, smiling under the sun.
Motorcycle Safety Concerns
Motorcycle safety experts note that even seasoned riders face significant risks. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), motorcyclists are far more vulnerable in crashes due to the lack of protective structure around them.
Highway 26, with its winding rural stretches, has been the site of multiple crashes in recent years. Officials urge riders to stay alert and wear protective gear at all times.
Investigation Continues
The Mississippi Highway Patrol is urging anyone who may have witnessed the crash or the moments leading up to it to contact investigators. The full crash report is expected to be released once the investigation is complete.
Funeral arrangements for Angela Coats will be announced by her family in the coming days.