An 18-year-old Hope man died Monday, January 26, 2026, after being struck by a metal pole while being pulled on a sled behind a vehicle amid snowy and icy conditions, according to the Arkansas State Police.
Humberto Nunes Vaca, 18, of Hope, was fatally injured at approximately 3:43 p.m. on East Jones Street in Hope, in Hempstead County. Vaca was among two individuals being pulled on a sled behind a 2010 GMC Terrain that was traveling eastbound on East Jones Street when he struck a metal pole.
Vaca was transported to CHRISTUS Saint Michael Health, where he later died as a result of his injuries. His body was held at CHRISTUS Saint Michael. At the time of the crash, weather conditions included snow and icy road surfaces.
The crash was investigated by the Arkansas State Police. No additional information regarding the second individual being pulled on the sled was immediately available.
This report is based on preliminary information from the Arkansas State Police. The investigation is ongoing.