VARDAMAN – A Wednesday morning auto fatality in Vardaman took the life of a young man and prompted students from Vardaman High School to hold a fundraiser that night to raise money for funeral expenses.

Vardaman Police Chief Calvin Barnett said Bradley Walker, 19, of Vardaman, was killed when the Jeep Sports Utility Vehicle he was driving was hit by a cement mixing truck on Mississippi Highway 8 about 9:30 a.m. Wednesday.

Barnett said the accident is under investigation by the Mississippi Highway Patrol but preliminary information has Walker, who was eastbound, crossing into the path of the cement mixer, which was westbound.

“We may never know what caused it,” said Barnett. “He was on his way to work. There was some talk of a cell phone, but we found (Walker’s) cell phone in his right pocket.”

Barnett said a call history is being conducted. He said the Mississippi Highway Patrol should have their investigation complete and report ready by Monday.

The accident occurred in front of the Vardaman High School Cafeteria on Hwy. 8. No other vehicles were involved and Walker and the driver of the cement truck were the only passengers.

Barnett said the impact spun Walker’s jeep to the south side of the roadway. The driver of the cement truck was not seriously injured.

Barnett said no citation has been issued at this time.

Students at Vardaman High School were stunned by the accident and hosted a spontaneous hamburger supper fundraiser Wednesday night on the parking lot of the high school. More than $2,000 was raised, with all donations going to the Walker family.