78-year-old Viola Sample of Batesville lost her life in an Independence County two-vehicle collision Friday, May 11. Shortly before 1:45 p.m. Cole Sample (81) was attempting to turn right to merge onto U.S. 167 North in Southside. His vehicle, a 2017 Kia struck the right side of a northbound vehicle in the left lane of U.S. 167. The 2009 Chrysler was driven by 80-year-old James Staton of Horseshoe Bend. Both vehicles came to rest in the northbound lanes of traffic.
The full preliminary fatal crash summary is available HERE.
Conditions at the time were reportedly sunny, clear and dry.
Accident Location: U.S. Highway 167, Southside, Arkansas, Independence County: