A 32-year-old Alma man was killed and a Fort Smith man was injured in a one vehicle accident that occurred Friday afternoon at the junction of US Highway 71 and State Highway 45 in south Fort Smith.
According to preliminary accident report obtained from the Arkansas State Police, Kelvin Willis of Alma was driving a 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe northbound on US 71 at approximately 5:18 p.m. Saturday afternoon. The Hyundai was traveling at a high rate of speed and exited the roadway to the left, colliding with a pole.
Willis was pronounced dead at the scene and his passenger, 30-year-old Cole Braxton of Fort Smith, was taken to Mercy Fort Smith for treatment of unknown injuries.
According to investigating state trooper Logan Hatcher, the weather was clear and the roadway was dry at the time of the impact.
The death of Willis represents the 79th roadway fatality in the state of Arkansas since January 1.
