It was close to 10:15 on a Saturday night when emergency calls lit up along State Highway 1 near Allen Hester Road. What followed — a head-on collision, a car flipped on its roof, and a medical helicopter cutting through the dark Arkansas sky — left one woman dead and three others hospitalized.
The victim has been identified as Frankie Upton, a resident of Walnut Ridge. She did not survive the crash. Arkansas State Police confirmed her death and said her next of kin have been notified.
Here’s What Happened
According to a preliminary crash report from Arkansas State Police, Upton was driving her 2002 Buick LeSabre southbound on Highway 1 when her vehicle crossed the center line and slammed head-on into a northbound 2020 Cadillac XT4.
The force of the impact was severe. The Cadillac — driven by Jean Goza of Jonesboro — was launched off the roadway and overturned. A medical helicopter was dispatched to the scene.
Three Rushed to the Hospital
Three Jonesboro residents were injured in the crash: Tammy Upton, Jean Goza, and Bobby Goza. They were transported to St. Bernards Medical Center and NEA Baptist Hospital for treatment. The severity of their injuries has not been disclosed.
Investigation Ongoing
Arkansas State Police have opened an investigation into the crash. The reason Upton’s vehicle crossed the center line remains under investigation. No further details have been released at this time.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates as investigators release more information.
