Richard Barnes, law professor, dies

Posted on Jan 23 2013 - 8:04am by Lacey Russell

Richard Barnes, a professor at the University of Mississippi School of Law, was killed in a car accident at 9:38 a.m. on January 22 between Conway, Ark. and Little Rock.

According to a preliminary report from the Arkansas State Police, the professor’s Subaru crossed the median, driving east on Interstate 40, and struck the oncoming vehicle.

Barnes was pronounced dead on the scene. It is not known whether he wore a seat belt.

He was on his way to Oxford.

The driver of the second vehicle was not injured and is reported to have been wearing a seat belt.

Barnes had been a member of the law faculty since 1989. He most recently was Leonard B. Melvin Distinguished Lecturer and Professor of Law.

The law school first released the news, stating, “It is with deep regret and sadness that we report the loss of our own Richard Barnes.”

Barnes was born in Arizona and began practicing law there.

Law Professor Richard Barnes (Credit: University of Mississippi)

Law Professor Richard Barnes (Credit: University of Mississippi)