Accident on US Highway 71 in rural Polk County takes the life of a 71-year-old Henryetta man

In the early hours of Thursday morning , a one-vehicle accident claimed the life of 87-year-old Henryetta, Oklahoma man on US Highway 71 South near the intersection with County Road 25 in rural Polk County, according to the Arkansas State Police.

The report states Michael Henry Barnes was driving a 2001 Dodge Ram northbound on US 71 along a straight stretch of the highway when his vehicle veered off the road and struck several trees.

The wreck occurred at approximately 12:38 AM, according to the Arkansas Department of Public Safety report released on Saturday night.

Barnes was transported to the Mena Regional Health System where he was pronounced dead.

The cause of the accident is still under investigation by the ASP.

Cpl. Bo Hayes of the Arkansas State Police the accident and noted cloudy conditions and a dry pavement at the time of the crash.