In Loving Memory – Lives Lost on Highway 18, Craighead County
Jonesboro, Arkansas — Hearts across Craighead County and beyond have been left aching after a devastating multi-vehicle crash on Friday, December 5th, claimed two precious lives and injured five others. What began as an ordinary evening along Highway 18 at the Lake City Bridge quickly became an unimaginable tragedy that forever changed several families.
At approximately 6:33 p.m., a 2013 Ford traveling east unexpectedly crossed the center turn lane, colliding head-on with a westbound 2023 Volkswagen. In an instant, lives were shaken, futures were altered, and a community was thrust into mourning. As the Volkswagen absorbed the tremendous impact, a third vehicle — a 2014 Toyota — struck it from behind, adding to the catastrophic force of the collision.
From this heartbreaking moment, two souls were called home far too soon.
Brad King, 48, of Manila, the driver of the Ford, tragically succumbed to his injuries. Brad’s loss leaves an empty space in the hearts of everyone who knew him — a father, a friend, a neighbor whose presence mattered and whose absence will be deeply felt.
Equally heartbreaking was the loss of a young minor riding in the Volkswagen, a child whose bright future was cut short in a moment no family should ever endure. His name was withheld out of respect and privacy, but his life, his laughter, and his light mattered — and the community holds his memory tenderly. On Sunday evening, the mother of one of the minor victims shared the crushing news that her beloved son passed away at 6:55 p.m., a moment that forever changed her world. Her grief is immeasurable, and her courage in sharing her sorrow reminds us all of the fragile, sacred nature of life.
The driver of the Volkswagen, 18-year-old Kennedy Riggs of Blytheville, along with four other minors, were rushed to NEA Baptist Memorial Hospital and St. Bernards Medical Center with injuries sustained in the crash. Their names and ages remain private, but their recovery is held closely in the community’s prayers. Families sit at bedsides, friends offer quiet support, and strangers lift up these young lives with hope, strength, and compassion.
On that clear, dry evening, with no warning signs and no weather to blame, tragedy struck without mercy. Trooper Brian C. Merrill of Arkansas State Police led the investigation, ensuring that every detail of the crash was documented, and next of kin were notified with the utmost care and respect.
Today, as the community mourns, we honor not just the circumstances of this heartbreaking event, but the people at the very center of it — the loved ones whose stories deserve to be remembered with grace.
We remember Brad King, a man whose journey ended too soon.
We remember the young boy, whose memory will forever be cherished by those who loved him.
We stand with the survivors as they heal — physically, emotionally, and spiritually.
And we lift up the families shattered by loss, hoping they feel the love, comfort, and support surrounding them during this painful time.
May the memories of those lost shine brightly in the hearts of all who knew them. May their families be wrapped in strength as they navigate the hardest days of their lives. And may this tragedy remind us to hold our loved ones closer, cherish every moment, and lead with compassion wherever we go.
Rest in peace to the beautiful lives lost.
Healing prayers for all those recovering.
And love to every heart grieving tonight.