An 85-year-old Fort Smith man was killed Tuesday, January 13, 2026, in a two-vehicle collision at the intersection of U.S. Highway 412 and Highway 45 near Hindsville in Madison County, according to the Arkansas State Police.
Lawrence Beleele, 85, of Fort Smith, was driving a 2009 Ford Focus northbound on Highway 412 when he attempted to cross the highway and failed to yield to an oncoming 2020 Chevrolet Equinox traveling westbound on U.S. 412. The Equinox struck Beleele’s vehicle, and the Equinox then struck a stop sign before coming to rest. The crash occurred at approximately 9:50 a.m. under clear skies on dry road conditions.
Beleele was transported to Washington Regional Medical Center and Northwest Medical Center following the crash. He was later pronounced dead. His body was remanded to the Washington County Coroner’s Office.
The Arkansas State Police is leading the investigation into the crash. No additional injuries were reported in connection with the collision.
This report is based on preliminary information from the Arkansas State Police. The investigation is ongoing.