Pine Bluff, AR – (JonesboroRightNow.com) – April 13, 2025 – A former Jonesboro High School coach was killed late Saturday night in a two-vehicle accident in Pine Bluff.
According to a statement from the Pine Bluff Police Department, a white Nissan Altima driven by Matthew Williams, 37, was traveling southbound on South Hazel Street and a 2015 GMC Sierra driven by Darrion William, 38, was traveling northbound on South Hazel Street.
“At some point the two vehicles collided and Darrion was ejected from his vehicle. Darrion was later transported to Jefferson Regional Medical Center and listed as critical. Matthew was pronounced deceased on scene by Jefferson County Deputy Coroner Eric Belcher.”
The statement said the accident happened at about 11:01pm Saturday night.
Williams was in his first year as head basketball coach at Pine Bluff White Hall High School. Dr. Gary Williams, superintendent, told Pine Bluff news agency Deltaplex News, “Matt quickly became a favorite of our staff and his players and other students. He brought tremendous energy to his job.”
Williams led the Bulldogs to a 15-14 (8-8 5A South) record in the season recently completed. Prior to coming to White Hall Williams was the head coach at Texarkana High School.
Williams also served as an assistant coach at Springdale and Jonesboro. At Jonesboro Williams was the head cross country coach and assistant to Wes Swift on the Hurricane boys basketball team.
Williams began his coaching career as the Director of Basketball Operations for the Southeast Missouri State University men’s basketball team, serving from 2009-11 before making the move to the high school ranks.
Williams is a Jonesboro native. He is the son of Bob and Marcia Williams. Funeral arrangements for Williams are incomplete.