Kayli Turney, Mark Holmes Obituary, Death – Two people lost their lives and two minors were injured in a tragic crash on Interstate 40 in Van Buren, Arkansas, during the early morning of June 16. According to a report from the Arkansas State Police, the victims have been identified as 64-year-old Mark Holmes of Mandeville, Louisiana, and 19-year-old Kayli Turney of Hot Springs, Arkansas.
The collision occurred around mile marker 9 on I-40 East. Holmes was driving a 2007 Dodge Ram eastbound on the interstate when his vehicle struck the rear end of a Volvo, which was also heading east. Following the impact, the Dodge Ram spun out into the road and was then hit by an eastbound Peterbilt semi-truck. The crash resulted in a multi-vehicle pile-up that left the roadway partially blocked for a period of time.
The crash report published by the Arkansas Department of Public Safety confirmed that Turney, the driver of the Volvo, died from her injuries sustained in the collision. Holmes was also pronounced dead at the scene. Emergency personnel responded to the incident and worked to assist those involved in the wreck.
Two minors who were passengers in the Volvo were also injured during the crash. Their conditions were not detailed in the initial report, but it was confirmed that they sustained injuries and were given medical attention. Authorities did not release the names or ages of the minors due to their age and privacy concerns.
The crash remains under investigation as law enforcement officials work to determine the full sequence of events that led to the deadly incident. Weather conditions and possible mechanical issues have not yet been ruled out, though no contributing factors have been confirmed at this time.
This tragic accident highlights the dangers of high-speed travel and the potential consequences of rear-end collisions, particularly on major highways like I-40 where traffic is frequently heavy with both passenger and commercial vehicles. State police are continuing their efforts to collect witness statements, examine roadway evidence, and review any available surveillance or dashcam footage to piece together what exactly caused the fatal chain of events.
Family and community members are mourning the loss of Holmes and Turney, both of whom died unexpectedly. Holmes was reportedly traveling from Louisiana, and Turney, a young woman from Hot Springs, had her life cut short in a matter of seconds.
The Arkansas State Police encourage anyone who may have witnessed the crash or has information relevant to the investigation to come forward. In the meantime, authorities urge all drivers to exercise caution, maintain safe following distances, and remain vigilant while on the road, especially during overnight or early morning hours when visibility may be reduced.