A tragic crash on Interstate 555 near Trumann, Arkansas, has left the community shaken and mourning the untimely loss of two beloved men. The incident, which occurred on the evening of June 26, 2025, claimed the lives of Tyler Slayton, 36, and Jacob Ward, 31, from Paragould, Arkansas. The loss of these two hardworking individuals has left their families, friends, and the wider community devastated, and their memories will forever remain etched in the hearts of those who knew them.
According to the Arkansas State Police, the incident took place around 7:30 p.m. on June 26, when Taylor David Rhoades, a 25-year-old from Pocahontas, Arkansas, was driving a 2010 Ford Focus. Rhoades was traveling on I-555 when he struck Slayton and Ward, who had pulled over to the shoulder of the interstate to fix a flat tire. Both men were standing outside their vehicle, trying to manage a roadside emergency, when Rhoades, who was allegedly intoxicated, drove his vehicle into them.
Tragically, the two men were fatally injured during the incident. Despite the immediate arrival of emergency responders and their best efforts to save them, both Slayton and Ward were pronounced dead at the scene by the Poinsett County Deputy Coroner. The scene was one of horror, as family members and friends of the victims began to process the unimaginable loss that had just occurred.
Following the crash, a Poinsett County Sheriff’s Deputy, who had been patrolling the area, observed a vehicle matching the description of the suspect’s car. The deputy initiated a traffic stop, and upon further investigation, identified Rhoades as the driver involved in the fatal collision. Evidence recovered from the scene and during the traffic stop directly linked Rhoades’ vehicle to the tragic crash. It became clear that Rhoades had been driving under the influence of alcohol at the time of the incident.
Rhoades was arrested and transported to the Poinsett County Detention Center, where he is currently being held on a $100,000 bond. The charges against him include two counts of Negligent Homicide, Driving While Intoxicated (DWI), Careless or Prohibited Driving, and Leaving the Scene of an Accident Involving Injuries or Death. The charges reflect the severity of the incident and the devastating consequences of Rhoades’ reckless actions.
The loss of Tyler Slayton and Jacob Ward has left a gaping hole in the hearts of their families and the broader Paragould community. Both men were remembered by friends, coworkers, and family members as good-natured, kind-hearted individuals who always went out of their way to help others. Slayton, who worked in the construction industry, was known for his strong work ethic, and Ward, a devoted father, was always quick to lend a hand. They were both people who loved their families and were committed to their communities. Their lives were tragically cut short as they attempted to manage a routine, albeit frustrating, situation—a flat tire on the side of the road.
One of the most heartbreaking aspects of this tragedy is that, like so many others before them, Slayton and Ward were simply in the wrong place at the wrong time. They were attempting to address an issue that many drivers face every day, but due to the actions of an intoxicated driver, their lives were taken far too soon. In the wake of this tragedy, their families and the community have been left to grapple with a profound sense of loss and confusion.
Authorities have emphasized the importance of driving responsibly and remaining alert, especially near stalled vehicles and emergency scenes. This incident has highlighted the dangers of impaired driving and the importance of awareness on the road. The loss of Slayton and Ward has sparked calls for greater education, stronger enforcement of driving laws, and improved public awareness regarding road safety. It is a reminder of the irreversible damage that can be done by even a moment of carelessness behind the wheel.
In the wake of the crash, community members have come together to mourn the loss of Slayton and Ward. A memorial has been established in honor of the two men, and local leaders have organized prayer vigils and other events to offer support to their families. The community has rallied to support those who have been affected by this tragedy, demonstrating the strength and unity that exists in times of hardship.
Meanwhile, as Rhoades awaits his next court appearance, the investigation into the crash continues. Authorities are working diligently to gather evidence, speak with witnesses, and prepare for the legal proceedings that will follow. While the arrest has provided some closure for the families of the victims, it does little to ease the grief and heartache that they are experiencing. The loss of Slayton and Ward is something that will never be fully understood or accepted, and the road ahead for their loved ones will undoubtedly be long and painful.
This tragedy also serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of impaired driving. It is a call to action for all drivers to exercise caution and responsibility when behind the wheel. Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs can have catastrophic consequences, not only for the driver but also for innocent people who are simply trying to go about their lives. In this case, two men who were only trying to repair a flat tire lost their lives because of someone else’s decision to drive intoxicated.
As the legal process continues, the hope is that justice will be served for Tyler Slayton and Jacob Ward. Their families deserve closure and accountability for the lives that were stolen from them. The community, too, deserves a sense of justice and a renewed commitment to road safety, to ensure that such a tragedy never happens again. The legacy of Slayton and Ward will live on in the memories of those who knew them, and their story will hopefully inspire others to drive responsibly and protect those who share the road with them.
While Rhoades faces the consequences of his actions, the families of the victims are left to pick up the pieces of their shattered lives. The pain of losing a loved one is never easy to bear, but the hope is that the outpouring of support from the community, the legal proceedings that will follow, and the remembrance of the victims’ lives will help provide some sense of peace in the midst of this senseless tragedy.
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As the investigation continues and more details emerge, the Jackson community stands united in the face of tragedy. The loss of Tyler Slayton and Jacob Ward will forever be felt, but their memory and the lessons learned from their lives will remain in the hearts of all those who knew them.
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