Three fatal crashes in Arkansas on Wednesday left three dead and two injured, according to police reports.
At 10:10 a.m., a motorcycle accident on Arkansas 23 in Franklin County claimed the life of Franklin Thomas, 66, of Collierville, Tennessee. He was riding a 2023 Harley Davidson southbound when he drifted off the road and struck a tree, according to the Arkansas State Police.
Later, at 2:13 p.m., a four-vehicle collision on U.S. 49 in Craighead County resulted in the death of Taylor Dobbins, 41, of Jonesboro. Police reported Dobbins was driving west when his 2015 Dodge Charger hydroplaned, crossed the center line, and collided with an eastbound 2025 Nissan Rogue. The impact caused Dobbins’ vehicle to overturn. The driver of the Nissan, Penny Spaulding, 44, of Jonesboro, sustained injuries. Additional vehicles, a 2023 Jeep Grand Wagoneer and a 2025 Ram 1500, struck debris from the initial crash.
At 2:29 p.m., Antonio Freitas, 72, of Cabot, died in a three-vehicle incident on Arkansas 89 in Cabot. Authorities stated that Freitas was driving west in a 2012 Chevrolet Cruze when he was struck by a 2015 Subaru Forester, which failed to yield while making a left turn. Following the initial collision, Freitas exited his vehicle and was then hit by a westbound 2016 Kia Sorento. The driver of the Kia, Theodora Millerline, 73, of Cabot, was injured in the crash.
Emergency response teams were dispatched to each scene. Investigations into all three incidents are ongoing.