UPDATE JUNE 20 2022 345PM
The Arkansas State Police is investigating a single vehicle motor vehicle crash that claimed the life of Nathan Allen Kirtley, 25, of Benton.
Kirtley was the driver of a 2006 Ford Mustang that was traveling northbound along Arkansas Highway 229. A preliminary investigative report indicates the crash occurred late Saturday night, June 18th.
The vehicle was discovered Sunday, June 19th about 4:15 PM upside-down, and submerged in water. The investigating trooper found evidence indicating the vehicle had struck a bridge guardrail, then traveled across an embankment before landing in the water.
PREVIOUSLY JUNE 19 2022 9PM
Law enforcement closed down Highway 229 to through traffic on Father’s Day afternoon, after responding to a call about a vehicle in the Saline River around 4:30 p.m.
Individuals fishing in the river reported that there was a vehicle submerged. Several first responders came to the scene including Turtle Creek Fire Department, Benton Police Department, and Arkansas State Police. Tire tracks could still be seen coming from a West direction, from the highway down to the river.
Witnesses report a male body was pulled from the vehicle. Law enforcement has not identified the victim. MySaline will update when we have more information.