Arkansas Crashes Claim 7 Lives, Injure 5 More
Last week, Arkansas witnessed a tragic series of crashes that resulted in seven fatalities and five injuries. These incidents unfolded across various locations, with a notable concentration of accidents occurring on January 5.
Details of the Fatal Crashes
Key Incidents
- Interstate 40 Incident: On January 5, at approximately 10:38 p.m., Jason Dotson, 47, from Dover, lost his life. He was driving a 2024 Chevrolet Malibu against traffic when he collided with a 2015 Volvo tractor-trailer.
- Jonesboro Intersection: Robert Furches, 71, of Millington, Tennessee, died on January 5 after his 2023 Freightliner struck a 2020 Volvo at about 10:55 a.m.
- Poinsett County Crash: At 5:43 a.m. on January 5, Jared Smith, 28, of Trumann, was killed. He was struck by a 2003 Dodge Ram while standing in traffic due to an earlier accident.
- Berryville Single-Vehicle Accident: Heather Lehr, 56, from Berryville, died on January 5 after her 2023 Chevrolet Bolt crashed into a concrete wall around 11:35 a.m.
- Nevada County Incident: Demarcus Aaron, 27, from El Dorado, died on January 5 when his 2013 Nissan veered off the road and hit a tree at 10:59 p.m. Two passengers were injured.
- Pulaski County Crash: Alene Drummond, 64, of Bigelow, was killed in a single-vehicle accident at 4:09 p.m. on January 6, when her 2005 Toyota Tundra struck a tree after leaving the roadway.
- Head-On Collision: Larry Neal, 56, from Bay, died on January 6 in a head-on crash on Interstate 555. He collided with a 2023 Freightliner after losing control of his 2000 Mazda.
Summary of Fatalities and Injuries
The tragic events have highlighted the dangers of Arkansas roads. The following summarizes the fatalities and injuries:
| Date | Name | Age | Location | Vehicle | Injured |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan. 5 | Jason Dotson | 47 | Interstate 40 | 2024 Chevrolet Malibu | 1 injured |
| Jan. 5 | Robert Furches | 71 | Jonesboro | 2023 Freightliner | 1 injured |
| Jan. 5 | Jared Smith | 28 | Poinsett County | 2003 Dodge Ram | N/A |
| Jan. 5 | Heather Lehr | 56 | Berryville | 2023 Chevrolet Bolt | N/A |
| Jan. 5 | Demarcus Aaron | 27 | Nevada County | 2013 Nissan | 2 injured |
| Jan. 6 | Alene Drummond | 64 | Pulaski County | 2005 Toyota Tundra | N/A |
| Jan. 6 | Larry Neal | 56 | Poinsett County | 2000 Mazda | 1 injured |
These incidents serve as a stark reminder of the need for safety on the roads. As investigations continue, the community mourns the loss of these individuals and hopes for a safer year ahead.