By: Gabriella Phelan
FARMINGTON, Ark. (UATV) — In Farmington, a tragic accident that led to multiple deaths and injuries, has left a community in mourning.
Reports say that Thursday, Apr. 18, a fatal collision took place at the intersection of Broyles and Wilson St., three were left dead as a result.
According to a report from the Arkansas Department of Public Safety, Stephen Kaufmann, 40, of Fayetteville, was driving southbound on Broyles Street in a white Acura when he veered into oncoming traffic, attempting to pass another vehicle. Kaufmann then collided head-on with a white Chevrolet SUV. Kaufmann was killed, as well as his juvenile passenger.
The driver of the white Chevrolet, Jennifer Kelley, 34, of Farmington, was killed in the accident and her passenger was injured. Her SUV came to a halt in the backyard of a nearby home.
Angela Stewart, a resident of Farmington, has lived on the corner of Broyles and Wilson for 20 years. She said although speeding is not uncommon in the area, she never expected something so bad to happen.
Stewart recalls the sound of the accident as Kelley’s vehicle entered into her backyard.
“We both heard what we thought was a gas line exploding, because it just sounded like an explosion,” said Stewart.
Soon after, her husband discovered the wreck, saying “he opened the back door because he could hear somebody screaming, and that’s when he figured out that there had been a wreck… He went out the front door and went around to the side and saw that there was a vehicle flipped on its side, next to our fence.”
Through tears, Stewart shared that the hole left in her fence is now a daily reminder of the place where three lives were tragically lost.
“When something like this happens that’s really tragic, and it involves you know, young people and families, it makes it really difficult. So, yeah, it’s been hard not to think about it… And especially with it being right here… It’s a constant reminder. how precious life is and how fleeting it can be and make sure that you know, tell your loved ones that you love them and, you know, hug them,” said Stewart.
Now, some local community members are heartbroken, angry, and calling for action. They say that more could have been done to prevent the incident.
Resident Micheal Goolsby says he’s seen the issue persist with no indication of change for a long time.
“I’ve seen this for years. And it’s gotten worse, because I don’t feel like that enough is being done from a law enforcement standpoint to curb that type of behavior,” said Goolsby.
Goolsby has lived near the intersection for 15 years. He says speeding and reckless driving is a common occurrence in the area— one that he frequently reports to the police. Yet, Goolsby believes that his complaints are not heard by local law enforcement, saying that the accident could have been prevented with appropriate attention from police.
“If things don’t change as far as a deterrent, then I think definitely it could happen again. I’d hate to see it. But I do think it could happen again,” said Goolsby.
Jerry Pop Williams Elementary School is less than half a mile away from where the accident took place. Despite Arkansas law mandating signs 300 feet before school zones to reduce speeds when children are around, Goolsby believes more measures are necessary to ensure the safety of children in school zones.
“I’ve thought about sitting out here in one of my chairs with a sign and say slow down, you know, but I figured people [would just flip] me off,”
An updated release from the Farmington Police Department was posted Friday, Apr. 26, stating that the primary cause of the accident was determined to be the high rate of speed of the vehicle driven by Kaufmann.
“Through comprehensive examination, accountability for the accident has been attributed to Mr. Kaufmann’s reckless operation of a motor vehicle,” the release stated.
The release says that the Automobile Event Data Recorder, or ‘black box,’ indicated that Kaufmann reached speeds of up to 102 miles per hour while traveling southbound on Broyles Street.
Further, the report states that a rapid drug screening urinalysis was conducted at the time of Kaufmann’s death. Results identified marijuana, alcohol, and kratom to be present in Kaufmann’s system. A complete toxicology report remains pending.
UATV attempted to contact the Farmington Police Department to discuss their plans for enhancing safety in the area moving forward, while a response was not received, the release states that the “Farmington Police Department reaffirms its dedication to ensuring public safety. We remain vigilant in our efforts to prevent accidents and tragedies, working tirelessly to safeguard our community.”
Read the release below:
