Crash claims one life
A young woman is dead as the result of a two-vehicle motor-vehicle accident that happened about 9 a.m. Monday, Nov. 6.
Amber Kalberloh, 18, Pea Ridge, was pronounced dead on the scene by Benton Coroner Daniel Oxford.
Ramona Morgan, 49, Pea Ridge, was taken by ambulance to a Rogers hospital.
Kalberloh was a 2017 graduate of Pea Ridge High School. School superintendent Rick Neal said grievance counselors and the Ministerial Alliance have been notified to assist with students needing counseling.
According to the State Police report, Kalberloh was eastbound on Arkansas Highway 72 driving a silver 2010 Chevrolet Aveo. Morgan was driving a black Jeep Wrangler. The Aveo crossed the center line into the westbound lane and hit the Jeep head on.
Pea Ridge resident Cassie Dunn and her 6-year-old daughter were eastbound into Pea Ridge on Ark. Hwy. 72 this morning with the silver car immediately behind them.
“I’d noticed her behind me since about Jac’s Ranch,” Dunn said, adding that she saw the Aveo go into the westbound lane to attempt to pass her and hit the black Jeep.
“It was awful,” she said. “I’ve never seen an accident like that except in movies … I pulled off and dialed 911,” she said. “I can’t get that visual out of my head. I’m just glad it was in my rear view mirror and my daughter didn’t see it.”
Dunn said her daughter’s school counselor and teacher had both called offering consolation.
Trooper Randall Schwab investigated the accident.
Pea Ridge Police blocked both ends of the highway routing traffic onto Blue Jay and Dove roads, providing traffic control. Pea Ridge Fire-EMS Dept. emergency personnel worked for more than an hour to free the driver from the sedan.
State Police said the roadway was clear and dry at the time of the accident. There was light rain falling as the scene was being cleared.