Single fatality reported over holiday period

Troopers make eight DWI arrests

One fatality was reported in Arkansas State Police Troop D over the Memorial Day holiday weekend.

The holiday travel period officially began at 6 p.m., on Friday, May 28, and continued through midnight Monday.

Troop D, headquartered in Forrest City, serves St. Francis, Lee, Cross, Crittenden, Phillips, Monroe, Woodruff and Prairie counties.

Over the weekend, Troop D worked 19 accidents, with the one fatality occurring in a singlevehicle accident in Prairie County, according to Troop D officials.

Jack H. Fitzhugh, 48, of Ward, died in the accident that occurred about 6:30 p.m., Monday, on Highway 38 in Hickory Plains.

Troopers reported Fitzhugh was traveling east on Highway 38 in a 2007 GMC when his vehicle ran off the roadway and onto the south shoulder. Troopers reported Fitzhugh overcorrected, causing him to lose control of the vehicle and strike an embankment.

During the holiday weekend, troopers made 65 criminal arrests and eight arrests for driving while intoxicated. Troopers issued 172 citations for speeding and 10 for seat belt violations.

Troopers cited 14 drivers for child restraint violations, issued citations for 32 other hazardous violations and 118 nonhazardous violations. Troopers also issued 280 warnings and assisted 31 motorists.

During last year’s Memorial Day holiday period, there were no traffic fatalities reported in Troop D, and only nine accidents during the three-day reporting period.

In 2020, troopers also arrested eight motorists for driving while intoxicated.

Although the holiday weekend is over, troopers are continuing to focus efforts on the annual Click It or Ticket campaign that coincides with the Memorial Day holiday.

The campaign will continue through Sunday, June 6.