Craighead County, AR – JonesboroRightNow.com – A 76-year-old Walnut Ridge woman died Saturday night following a two-vehicle, head-on collision on Highway 1 South in rural Craighead County. Three other individuals sustained injuries in the crash.
According to a preliminary fatal crash summary released by the Arkansas State Police, the incident occurred on May 30 at approximately 10:15 p.m. near the 8831 block of Highway 1 South.
Investigating State Police Trooper Cody Jackson reported that Frankie Upton, 76, of Walnut Ridge, was driving a 2002 Buick LeSabre southbound on State Highway 1.
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Upton’s vehicle crossed the highway centerline and struck an oncoming 2020 Cadillac XT4 head-on. Following the impact, the Cadillac left the roadway and overturned. It was being driven northbound by Jean Goza, 47, of Jonesboro.
Frankie Upton was pronounced dead at the scene. Her body is being held at Emerson Funeral Home, and next of kin have been notified.
Two passengers and the other driver involved in the collision suffered injuries:
- Tammy Upton, 54, of Jonesboro, who was a passenger in the Buick LeSabre.
- Jean Goza, 47, of Jonesboro, the driver of the Cadillac.
- Bobby Goza, 48, of Jonesboro, a passenger in the Cadillac.
Emergency responders transported the injured individuals to St. Bernards Medical Center and NEA Baptist Hospital for treatment. The severity of their injuries has not been released.
Trooper Jackson noted that weather conditions were clear and the roadway was dry at the time of the accident. The crash remains under investigation by the Arkansas State Police.
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