Ouachita County, AR — November 26, 2024, James Cannedy was killed and Jimmie Williams was injured in a car accident at about 10:30 a.m. on U.S. Highway 79.

Authorities said a 2014 Chevrolet Silverado was traveling south on U.S. Highway 79 north of Camden when it rear-ended a 2018 Ram 2500 for an unknown reason. The Silverado veered off the left side of the road and crashed into several trees.

James D. Cannedy, 69, died at the scene of the crash, north of the intersection Arkansas Highway 9., authorities said. He was the driver of the Chevy pickup.

The other driver, Jimmie L. Williams, 78, was transported to a Shreveport, LA, hospital with unspecified injuries, according to authorities.

The crash is still under investigation.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

Based on my experience, three key questions must guide the inquiry into any crash: Did the authorities thoroughly investigate the crash? Has anyone explored whether a vehicle defect could have contributed? And has all the electronic data from the crash been collected?

The first question is whether authorities conducted a comprehensive investigation. Rear-end collisions often raise questions about the events leading up to the impact. Did the Silverado driver of the Silverado attempt to brake? Were there signs of distraction, fatigue or even a medical emergency? Factors like visibility, road condition, or other vehicles' actions might have played a role. Additionally, the pickup's veer off the road and subsequent collision with trees suggest a loss of control, which could indicate mechanical failure or an environmental hazard. While law enforcement investigations often focus on immediate observations, such as skid marks or witness statements, a detailed accident reconstruction could provide further insights into the sequence of events. If gaps remain in the investigation, independent experts might be needed to ensure all possibilities are considered.

The second critical question is whether a vehicle defect could have contributed to the crash. Modern vehicles are equipped with numerous systems designed to enhance safety, but those systems are not immune to failure. Was there a malfunction in the braking system, steering, or another critical component? Could the airbag deployment — or lack thereof — have influenced the severity of the outcome when the pickup hit the trees? To answer these questions, a forensic examination of the vehicle would be necessary. Preserving the truck for inspection is essential to determining if mechanical or design issues played a role, as these factors are often overlooked in crash investigations.

The third question is whether all electronic data from the vehicles and crash site has been secured. Both vehicles involved likely have event data recorders (EDRs) capable of capturing valuable information about speed, braking, and throttle inputs leading up to the collision. This data could clarify whether the pickup attempted to slow down or if its systems malfunctioned. Additionally, GPS data or surveillance footage from nearby areas might offer further context. Time-sensitive electronic evidence like this must be preserved promptly to avoid loss, as it can play a crucial role in understanding the events leading to the crash.

Answering these three questions is vital to uncovering the full truth about what happened on U.S. Highway 79 that morning. By ensuring that the investigation is thorough, considering all potential causes — including mechanical failures — and preserving critical data, we can work toward providing those affected with the clarity they need to begin moving forward.