Patricia E. Heibner killed in head-on crash on Walnut Valley Road

GARLAND COUNTY, Ark—Hot Springs woman killed in Walnut Valley Road head-on crash

On September 18, 2025 at 7:30 p.m., Arkansas State Police responded to a fatal head-on collision on Walnut Valley Road in rural Garland County.

Investigators say a 2017 Dodge traveling west crossed into the path of a 2018 Nissan traveling east. The two vehicles collided head-on.

Fatality: Patricia E. Heibner, 85, of Hot Springs, the driver of the Nissan, was killed.
Injured: Garrett I. Burks, 32, of Jessieville (driver of the Dodge) and Coby W. Wagner, 30, of Hot Springs (passenger in the Dodge) were transported to CHI St. Vincent Hospital.

The victim’s body was held at the Garland County Coroner’s Office. Weather was clear, and the roadway was dry.

Note: Crash reports from Arkansas State Police are preliminary and may be updated as investigations continue.

Arkansas wrongful death law after a head-on collision

Arkansas’s wrongful death statute allows families to recover damages for funeral expenses, loss of support, and companionship. Families must generally file within three years of the date of death.

A survival action may also allow recovery for medical costs and pain experienced prior to death.

Why head-on crashes demand detailed investigation

Head-on collisions often stem from lane departures, distracted driving, or driver impairment. Attorneys investigate police reports, crash reconstruction, skid mark analysis, and vehicle data to determine liability. Acting quickly helps secure critical evidence.

Arkansas wrongful death attorneys serving Garland County

At Ludwig Law Firm, our wrongful death lawyers prepare every wrongful death case as though it will be tried before a jury. We fight to hold negligent drivers accountable and support grieving families through the legal process. In complex cases, we also partner with trial lawyers like Harry Warden of Warden Law Firm, ensuring Arkansas families be

Our Wrongful Death Lawyers Can Help

We are available to help any family with wrongful death matters 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.