Richard Strutton of Crocker was injured in a two-vehicle crash on U.S. Highway 65 at Bear Creek on the morning of October 14, according to a preliminary report from the Arkansas State Police.
The crash occurred at approximately 8:50 a.m. during rainy weather that left the roadway wet, the report said. Susan Bearden of Branson was driving a southbound 2022 Chrysler when she lost control of the vehicle. Bearden’s car rotated to the left, crossed the center line, and struck a northbound 2022 International driven by Strutton.
Authorities confirmed that Bearden was killed in the collision. A passenger in her vehicle, Mary Scaggs of Springfield, was also injured. Strutton sustained injuries as well, though no details about the conditions of those hurt were provided in the report.
The investigating officer, Corporal Ty Roberson, noted that the details contained in the summary are preliminary. The Arkansas State Police provided this account as part of its initial findings.
Inclement weather and wet roads may have played a role in the crash, but the investigation remains ongoing.