National Guardsman killed in 19 wreck remembered as loving
Sgt. Brady J. Stewart is being remembered as a loving father and husband after a fatal early-morning crash last Tuesday on Highway 19 between Philadelphia and Tucker.
Stewart, who worked as an aviation operation specialist for the Army National Guard, is survived by his wife Alexis and a young daughter, Jessi Kate, of Philadelphia.
Stewart loved to ride four wheelers, go jeep riding, camping and most anything outdoors including playing corn hole, his family said.
Stewart enjoyed spending time with his family and friends and “especially loved spending time with his daughter,” the family said.
Stewart was a member of Salem Baptist Church in Lake and he attended Philadelphia Church of God.
The Democrat reported last week, according to the Mississippi Highway Patrol, Stewart was from Lake. He was a native of Scott County but had married and moved to Philadelphia recently.
Stewart was laid to rest in Salem Baptist Cemetery on Sunday afternoon with the Rev. Matthew Jones and the Rev. Larry Duncan officiating.
The accident shut down down Highway 19 and diverted traffic for more than two hours.
Stewart, 21, was pronounced dead on the scene of the 6:26 a.m. accident near Cheatam Towing after the southbound 2018 Mazda 6 he was driving collided head-on with a GMC Yukon driven by Bradley K. Alexander, 42, of Meridian, the Mississippi Highway Patrol said.
Traffic was diverted to Road 537 which parallels Highway 19 north of Tucker.
“Preliminary reports indicate that a 2018 Mazda 6 driven by Stewart … was traveling south on Mississippi 19,” an MHP report said. “A 2004 GMC Yukon driven by Alexander … was traveling north on Mississippi 19. The Mazda 6 and GMC Yukon collided head-on.”
Alexander was in critical condition at the University of Mississippi Medical Center, a relative told the Democrat.
The crash remains under investigation by the MPH.
Olivia Holdiness is organizing a fundraiser on GoFundMe to cover funeral expenses.
“If you feel led to give, please donate,” Holdiness wrote. “Those who do not have to give, please offer prayers for this precious family. Lift their name up to the heavens in this tragic time of need. We, as a community, want this family to feel God’s love and peace as they navigate throughout this season of grief with little stress and hardships.”
His wife Alexis said on Facebook the afternoon of the wreck:
“I know many have heard the very tragic news about Brady. Yes, he passed away this morning in a bad car wreck. It’s so unreal to me. Jessi Kate and I will need ALL of the prayers we can get. Idk what to think or do. My husband is gone. My daughters father is gone. I may not respond to calls. Texts. Or messages. But please know I am reading them. Please remember me, our precious daughter and the rest of the family and friends that was so close to Brady!
“I’m not blaming God for this. He has his reasons for everything he does. Why take my husbands life so soon? I don’t know. But God knows. For my daughter I am trying to stay positive.”
Five others have died on Highway 19 this year between Philadelphia and House.
A 56-year-old Tucker man died last Wednesday not far from the scene Tuesday.