Pope County, AR — November 25, 2024, Steven Baxter was killed and Randy Harris and Paul Sekulich were killed in a single-vehicle accident at about 8 p.m. on Interstate 40.

Authorities said a 2002 Ford pickup lost control as its trailer fishtailed when it merged onto westbound I-40 near mile marker 80.5. The truck flipped several times after it hit a concrete bridge barrier, coming to rest on its top with the trailer still attached.

Passenger Steven Baxter, 59, died in the crash, according to authorities, while driver Randy Harris, 41, and passenger Paul Sekulich, 38, suffered unspecified injuries. They were transported to a local hospital.

Authorities have not released any additional details about the crash.

The accident is still under investigation.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

It’s clear that the victims and their families in this case are left with many unanswered questions. A single-vehicle accident like this might seem straightforward at first glance, but experience tells me that crashes like this are often far more complex than they initially appear. To fully understand what happened and why, we need to address three critical questions: Did authorities conduct a thorough investigation? Has anyone considered whether a vehicle defect or trailer issue played a role? And has all the electronic data related to the crash been preserved?

First, we need to consider the scope of the authorities’ investigation. It’s been reported that the trailer began fishtailing as the truck merged onto Interstate 40, leading to a loss of control. A thorough investigation should explore why this occurred. Was the trailer overloaded or improperly balanced? Did road conditions or weather contribute to the instability? Investigators should also examine whether the merge occurred at an unsafe speed or if other external factors, such as nearby traffic, played a role. Comprehensive scene analysis, including measurements of tire marks and the final resting positions of the truck and trailer, can provide critical insights into how the crash unfolded.

Second, it’s crucial to ask whether any mechanical issues or vehicle defects could have contributed to the crash. A 2002 Ford pickup and its trailer bring up a host of potential concerns, including the condition of the trailer hitch, braking systems and tires. If the hitch or trailer components failed, this could explain the fishtailing. Additionally, the condition of the truck’s suspension or stability control systems should be examined, as these systems are key to managing a vehicle’s behavior during sharp maneuvers or while towing. Unfortunately, unless the truck and trailer are preserved for forensic examination, these potential contributing factors might go unexamined.

Finally, the collection of electronic data is an essential part of understanding this crash. While older vehicles like a 2002 Ford pickup may have less advanced engine control modules (ECMs), they can still provide valuable information about the vehicle’s speed, braking and steering inputs just before the crash. Given the truck’s motion across a busy interstate, nearby traffic cameras or surveillance footage might also shed light on the sequence of events, particularly whether the trailer’s instability was evident before the crash occurred. Collecting this data promptly is vital to ensure it isn’t lost or overwritten.

Single-vehicle accidents like this one often leave lingering questions that deserve clear answers. Addressing these three core areas — investigative thoroughness, potential vehicle defects and electronic data collection — can provide much-needed clarity to the families of those involved. Beyond assigning responsibility, this process is about ensuring that every contributing factor is identified, offering closure to those affected, and taking steps to prevent similar incidents in the future.