Matthew Bruyette Obituary, Death – A tragic crash in Izard County claimed the life of a Violet Hill man on Wednesday after his side-by-side vehicle collided with a pickup truck, according to Arkansas State Police. Officials identified the victim as 64-year-old Matthew Bruyette. The fatal incident occurred on Johnson View Road in the community of Wiseman, specifically in the 4500 block, when Bruyette’s 2022 Polaris RZR side-by-side struck the front of a Dodge Ram 3500.
Authorities explained that the Dodge Ram was in the process of backing a trailer into a driveway at the time of the collision. For reasons still under investigation, Bruyette’s Polaris made contact with the truck, causing his side-by-side vehicle to overturn. The violent rollover resulted in Bruyette being ejected from the Polaris.
Emergency responders quickly arrived on the scene, and Bruyette was transported to the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in Little Rock. Despite medical efforts, he later died from his injuries. His death was confirmed by officials shortly after.
The driver of the Dodge Ram, who has not been publicly identified, escaped the crash without injury. Authorities noted that no additional vehicles or individuals were involved in the collision.
The Arkansas State Police continue to investigate the incident, reviewing factors such as speed, visibility, and positioning of the vehicles to determine the exact cause. It remains unclear whether any mechanical issues or roadway conditions may have contributed to the accident. Crash reconstruction experts are expected to analyze the evidence further, including skid marks and the final resting positions of the vehicles.
Side-by-side utility vehicles, like the Polaris RZR, are popular in rural parts of Arkansas for both recreation and work. However, officials often caution that such vehicles come with risks, particularly when they roll over. Ejection is a leading factor in fatalities involving side-by-sides, and safety agencies strongly encourage the use of seatbelts and proper restraints to reduce the likelihood of deadly outcomes.
The death of Bruyette has saddened the Violet Hill community, where he was a longtime resident. Friends and neighbors have expressed shock at the sudden accident and grief over the loss of a man many described as active and well-liked. His passing highlights once again the dangers of operating utility terrain vehicles, especially in close proximity to larger trucks and trailers.
Arkansas State Police did not announce any citations or charges connected to the crash, and officials indicated that the investigation is ongoing. For now, they are working to determine exactly how the collision unfolded on Johnson View Road that led to the rollover and Bruyette’s fatal injuries.
This latest fatal accident adds to the growing number of roadway tragedies in rural counties across Arkansas, where interactions between recreational vehicles and larger trucks are not uncommon. Authorities continue to urge caution, reminding drivers to remain vigilant and to take safety precautions to prevent accidents like the one that claimed Matthew Bruyette’s life.
