Farmington head-on collision leaves three dead, one injured

FARMINGTON, Ark. ( KNWA/KFTA ) — Farmington Police Department released that around 7:15 a.m. they responded to a three-vehicle collision that left three dead and one injured near the intersection of Broyles Street and Wilson Street.

Police said that the details are still being investigated, but the preliminary report states that Stephen Kaufmann, 40, was driving southbound on Broyles Street at an “extremely high rate of speed.” Kaufmann was in a white Acura passenger car and traveled into the oncoming northbound traffic striking a white Chevrolet SUV head-on.

Farmington resident Jagger Gordon was woken up by the car accident.

“It was probably one of the loudest noises of my life,” Gordon said.

When he walked outside, he saw an ambulance and a few police cars show up.

“Unfortunately, I didn’t really get to see a lot of it, but my mom called me shortly after I fell asleep and told me that there was a huge wreck outside,” Gordon said.

The speed limit in the area is 30 mph and Gordon says police are usually around.

“I’ve even gotten a ticket down here for going 35 mph. So, I was pretty curious how such a bad wreck could happen like that,” Gordon said.

Police say that Kaufmann, his juvenile passenger and the driver of the SUV were
killed. According to a fatal crash report, Jennifer Kelley was the driver of the SUV. A passenger from the SUV was transported to a local medical facility for non-life-threatening injuries.

“Our hearts go out to the families and friends affected by this tragic incident. The safety and well-being of our community are our top priorities, and we are
committed to conducting a thorough investigation to determine the cause of this
collision,” Lt. Justin Collins said to KNWA/FOX24.

Gordan says the family who was hit by the car is his neighbor who lives down the street from him.

“So, it’s kind of unfortunate. My mom knows them very well,” Gordon said.

Farmington resident Nadi Escobar says she is shocked to hear about it and thinks more people need to be careful when driving.

“I’ve seen so many people speed like probably 35 mph to like 40 mph around here and sometimes more. But, it’s a very rare thing that happens,” Escobar said.

She says she did not see the accident happen but did hear about it when she was about to take her siblings to school.

“It’s a very scary thing to deal with, especially when you have kids that like to roam around the small roads instead of the main roads,” Escobar said.

The Farmington School District released a statement on Facebook in response to the crash, saying one of the victims was a student at the school district.

The Farmington School District is saddened to learn of the passing of a member of our student body and two local parents that were involved in a multiple-car accident this morning. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families affected during this challenging time. As a school family, we are united in offering our unwavering support.

Farmington School District

The school district says additional counseling resources are available for students.

Gordan wants to remind drivers to not speed even if they’re running late because they’re putting themselves and others at risk.

“I just think it’s not worth it no matter the situation you’re going through to fly in a zone like this,” Gordon said.

Anyone with additional information is directed to contact the police department at 479-267-3411.

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