Man killed after Greyhound trip

Investigators have more questions than answers about the death of a Wisconsin man killed on Hwy. 6 last Wednesday evening.

Reginald Willingham Sr., 65, died instantly when he was struck by a vehicle in the westbound lane, according to Coroner Christopher Gulledge.

Witnesses told Batesville Police investigators the man was walking in the middle of the highway pushing a basket when he fatally hit. The accident happened about 7:30 p.m. and the driver stopped.

Police were able to determine that Willingham had arrived in Batesville shortly before the accident, disembarking a Greyhound bus that had stopped at Terza Grocery on Hwy. 6E.

Investigators said they learned the deceased had purchased a bus ticket with Batesville as the final stop, indicating he came to Batesville on purpose and was not planning to travel further, at least not on his current fare.

From there, police hoped to find friends or relatives in Batesville, figuring Willingham had left Terza, about two miles east of Lowe’s and near the city limits, intending to meet someone.

Instead, police were unable to locate any person locally who knew Willingham had planned to travel to Batesville. Gulledge was able to locate a son who reported that his father had not told him he planned to travel to Mississippi, or knew a reason he would want to make the trip.

The few relatives who live in Batesville told investigators they had not heard from him lately, and were surprised to hear he had been hit on the highway.

There were no charges filed against the driver and the matter won’t be presented to the Grand Jury for indictment.