Zyerrius Ezriel Zacharia Phillips, a 16-year-old Black teenager from Hattiesburg, Mississippi, was found dead on September 25, 2022, along Interstate 59 near Mile Marker 73 in Forrest County. Authorities notified the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation, which opened an inquiry; his remains were taken for autopsy to determine cause of death. At the scene he was wearing red-and-white striped pants, red Air Jordan tennis shoes, and a shirt with the American Fighter logo.

Zyerrius was remembered as an active multi-sport athlete who played football, baseball, and basketball and as a loving, outgoing student who enjoyed joking with friends. No suspects have been publicly named and no arrests announced; investigators have not released a motive or specific leads. If anyone saw Zyerrius, noticed activity near Mile Marker 73 on Interstate 59 that day, or has information that could help explain how he came to be at that location, please come forward.