2-year-old who died in hit-and-run was 'lively, vivacious'

Nolan Riley Norris, described by family friends as a lively, vivacious 2-year-old, died Thursday night in a hit-and-run accident near Union on Highway 492 in Neshoba County, according to the authorities and multiple public social media posts.

A man charged in connection with the accident about 15 minutes after it happened had initially gone back to the scene but fled, according to the Mississippi Highway Patrol.

The man, Andrew Graham Winstead, 25, 12371 Road 383, also known as the Fork Road, was arrested and charged with leaving the scene of the 8:49 p.m. accident, according to the Mississippi Highway Patrol.

Preliminary reports indicate that Winstead was traveling west on Mississippi 492 in a maroon 2017 Chevrolet Silverado when the toddler ran out into the highway and was struck, the authorities said.

“The Silverado collided with a toddler that had run into the road,” said Sgt. Jameka D. Moore of the Mississippi Highway Patrol.

Winstead returned to the scene of the crash, but “after realizing that he had struck a child he left the scene,” Moore said.

“This crash is currently under investigation by the Mississippi Highway Patrol and charges are pending,” he said.

Winstead was apprehended a short time later on Mississippi 19 south of Philadelphia by a Neshoba County Sheriff's deputy.

Neshoba County Sheriff Eric Clark said Union Police took the initial call and that Neshoba County dispatchers received a description of Winstead’s vehicle at 9:01 p.m. 

Winstead on Sunday was let out of the Neshoba County Detention Center on a $75,000 bond.

Funeral arrangements for Nolan Riley Norris were incomplete. 

Nolan was born January 9, 2019, according to his obituary on the Milling Funeral Home website. His parents are Madison and Jacob Norris of Union, according to Milling.

“The family request that any donations be made to Milling Funeral Home,” the funeral home said.

A separate GoFundMe account has been set up at https://gofund.me/866908ec.

“Please donate to help with unexpected funeral expenses, potential upcoming absences from work, etc.,” the page organized by Auburn Kidd says. “Nolan leaves behind 2 precious parents and 2 siblings among many others that covet your prayers and donations.”