Ethel Gardner, Florence Oglesby killed in Highway 79 crash near Moro
Two women from Brinkley were killed when their Nissan Versa collided with a truck on Highway 79 in Moro, Lee County, on August 13, 2025. Learn how Arkansas wrongful death law applies and what steps families should take. Call 501-838-4043.
ARKANSAS ACCIDENT NEWS
MORO, ArkâTwo women killed in Highway 79 crash near Moro
On August 13, 2025 at 8:18 a.m., Arkansas State Police reported a fatal collision at the intersection of Highway 79 and Highway 238 in Moro, Lee County.
Investigators say a 2019 Nissan Versa traveling south on Highway 238 attempted to cross Highway 79. At the same time, a 2020 Kenworth truck traveling southbound on Highway 79 struck the Versa.
Fatalities:
Ethel Gardner, 76, of Brinkley, driver of the Nissan Versa.
Florence Oglesby, 72, of Brinkley, passenger in the Nissan Versa.
Injured: Joseph Hinesman, 57, of Ellenwood, Georgia, the Kenworth driver, was transported to Forrest City Medical Center.
Weather was clear, and the roadway was dry. The Lee County Coronerâs Office took custody of the victims.
Note: Arkansas State Police crash reports are preliminary and may change as investigations continue.
Arkansas wrongful death law: What families can do
Arkansas law provides that wrongful death claims may be filed by a personal representative or statutory beneficiaries under Ark. Code Ann. § 16-62-102. Families generally have three years from the date of death to pursue compensation for funeral costs, lost support, and loss of companionship. A survival action under Ark. Code Ann. § 16-62-101 may also allow recovery for pre-death medical expenses and conscious pain and suffering.
Intersection crashes and key evidence
Fatal collisions at rural intersections often involve disputes over right-of-way, visibility, and speed. Evidence such as skid marks, vehicle damage analysis, witness statements, and event data recorder downloads can determine liability. Immediate preservation of this evidence helps protect familiesâ legal claims.
Arkansas wrongful death attorneys serving Lee County
At Ludwig Law Firm, our Ludwig Wrongful Death Attorneys prepare every case like it is going to trial. In catastrophic crashes, we also work with experienced partners such as Harry Warden of Warden Law Firm to combine skilled negotiation with strong courtroom advocacy. Together, we serve families throughout Arkansas.
What families should do after a fatal Arkansas crash
Contact a wrongful death attorney promptly.
Keep funeral, burial, and medical expense records.
Gather crash-related photos, text messages, or surveillance video.
Avoid making insurance statements without legal guidance.
Ask your lawyer to send evidence preservation requests to trucking companies.
Our Wrongful Death Lawyers Can Help
If your family has suffered a wrongful death in Arkansas, call 501-838-4043 or visit ludwiglawfirm.com. We fight for full accountability after tragic accidents.
Disclaimer
The information provided in this blog is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as legal advice. Reading this blog or interacting with Ludwig Law Firm through this content does not create an attorney-client relationship. Every legal case is different, and you should not act or rely on any information in this blog without first consulting with a licensed attorney about your specific situation. For legal guidance tailored to your needs, please contact Ludwig Law Firm directly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Who can bring a wrongful death claim in Arkansas?
A. Usually the personal representative or statutory beneficiaries named by law.
Q. How long do families have to file?
A. Three years from the date of death, unless an exception applies.
Q. Does a survival action differ from wrongful death?
A. Yes. A survival action belongs to the estate and recovers damages the deceased could have claimed if they had survived.
