19 Year Old Monticello Man Killed in Car Crash
November 29th, 2010 by Joe BurgessA 19-year-old Monticello man died upon impact in a single car crash on East Jackson Street around 12:30 Sunday morning.
Note: The photos on the attached page may be alarming to sensitive readers.
Bradley Smith, age 19 of Monticello, reportedly was killed upon impact when the blue Ford Mustang he was driving at high speeds failed to negotiate a curve and struck several trees before coming to a stop near the intersection of East Jackson St. and Cash Street, approximately 20 feet from a home where a child was sleeping in a corner bedroom.
Shortly before the time of the crash, the vehicle was fleeing from local police.
The accident is being investigated by the Arkansas State Police. Rods Wrecker removed the vehicle. Monticello’s Fire & Rescue Team, Monticello Police, Drew County Sheriff’s deputies and SEEMS also responded.
Funeral arrangements will be announced by Stephenson-Dearman Funeral Home.
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My sympathy to the family and friends this young man left behind. I can only hope and pray that other young drivers see the danger and seriousness of this kind of behavior.
i thought when a high speed chase that was getting very dangerous there was suppose to back off.get tag number then go later to arrest.
~~~~~~~~~~
Note: As I understand the situation, when the car entered the dead end street, the officers slowed down, since he was then blocked in.
Judging by the damge to the vehicle, and the distance traveled after striking the first of several trees, the car was still traveling at a high rate of speed.
At that time, the officers were not right behind him, and did not see the wreck, but instead thought that they had lost him, until they saw the vehicle, and called for an ambulance and rescue team.
Joe Burgess.
Our hearts go out to each of you. You will continue to be in our thoughts and prayers during this most difficult time. God is our only strength and sustaining source but He is faithful.
Such a sweet young man, a tremendous loss for our Family. Our love and prayers are with you.
Uncle Jim and Aunt ‘Chelle
My prayers go out the Martie and her family in this time of loss. I know your hearts are breaking but let God comfort you in this time of need.
his family is going to be in my family heart’s
i pray for the familys that this has affected.
My prayers go out to the family, but also to the officers involved in the pursuit. You guys have a very demanding, and sometimes heartbreaking job.
My prayers go to the family, I can’t even imagine the pain they are going through. This was a wonderful young man and I know God will get those that knew him through this.
I LOVE And MISS You Soooo Much!! Rest In Peace!!! See You Soon!!! :(
This is so sad. My heart goes out to his parents.
He will be in our hearts an prayers. We will always love u cuz.
I did not know the man but my heart tells me to be kind, these loveing parents are now faced with broken hearts and I ask god to send his angels to help them deal with their pain. Just know that he is in a better place now.
My prayers go out to this young mans family. I am so sorry for your loss. In times of loss turn to God he will get you through. I can not imagine your heart ache, but I know God does.
I’m gonna miss you bradford! U was such a great friend! I’m praying for the family!I will see you one day soon!! I love and miss u!!
I am sorry that a life was lost, but grateful that there was only one life lost. In an event such as this, many people are endangered, even those that aren’t aware of it-like the sleeping child 20ft away. I hope this terrible incident causes others to consider their actions before winding up in similar situations.
For the officers, thank you for putting your own lives at risk to protect all of us. May God be with you as you heal emotionally from such a tragedy.
I know there are no words or actions to make
this any easier but I hope with all the prayers,
phone calls, family & friends by your side
that you will be able to find some comfort & peace
during this difficult time.
Please remember all the police officers and
law enforcement involved in your prayers also.
Regardless how strong a police officer
can be I can tell you behind that badge they are
normal people who have a HEART that hurts
and tears that fall just like you and me.
Sending thoughts and prayers to family & friends
of this young man and also to the officers, their
family & friends.
I agree with Leroy the police should have backed off and gave him a ticket for fleeing at a later time.I heard on my scanner when they ran the plate# on the car.Maybe this young man would still be here.I ran from Warren Police one time because I didn’t have a drivers license.I thought I had got away but they later came to my house and got me.
#! There was NO plate on the car so no that did not go over the radio. So no you did not hear anyone run the plate.
#2 The officers DID back off they were far enough back that they did not even see the accident and drove past it.
This is a horrible accident anyway you look at it. Right now bashing the police is not the right thing to do. They did nothing wrong in this. When blue lights come on that means to stop. I honestly hope this will not turn into a childish bashing session as that will not change anything whatsoever. I will never understand why anyone wants to turn stuff around on law enforcement that is UNTIL they are the one that needs law enforcement at which time they want the officer to do his job and take care of their needs & safety. How can anyone blame a police officer for doing his job? If you know please enlighten me since I just dont understand. Ask yourself, if someone ran over one of your family members or friends how you feel if the officers just didnt do anything? You would then bash them for not doing their job. Instead of bashing try praying for all involved.
The police did back off because he entered a dead end road. All he would have been able to do is get out and run. So before you go to blaming the police think about it. It was nobodies fault and it was an unfortunate accident. This was a great young man and he doesn’t deserve to have people argue about it.
Ok, we all know that there are going to be different opinions about what the police should/should not have done…everyone is entitled to their own opinions. However, please make sure you know all the facts before making stupid, senseless comments. Unless you were a first responder or very close to one, you will not have all the facts. And I would say that if you ran from the police for a stupid reason like having no driver’s license then you are lucky you didn’t end up the same way…if you had no driver’s license then you had no business driving in the first place.
Let’s not turn this tragedy into what the police should have done, that won’t change anything. I believe Joe stated above that the police had already backed off, they didn’t even see him crash. This is not the fault of any police officer, the young man was already traveling at a high rate of speed, chose to run from the police, then chose to continue at a high rate of speed after the police backed off from him. He could have stopped at any point and chose not to. If people choose to blame the officers, then so be it, but it won’t bring the young man back. The officers are people too, they are not made of stone, they have families waiting for them at home like everyone else and they never want to see anything like this happen…unfortunately they have to see it all too often. Just keep everyone in your prayers, especially the family of this young man.
it was hard 4 u hear a tag # when there was no tag on the car. the police had back off.
this is not the time or place 2 point fingers or lay blame. a young man lost his life and officers r not to blame here. no one is!
For Keisha, you couldn’t of been listening to the plate number come across the scanner, there was no tag on the car. This was a severe tragedy. As of a mom of a teenage boy and two more kids coming up, it terrifies me of the innocent mistakes they may make but we can’t go through life blaming the ones who happened to cross the path of situations like this. May God bless all the hearts hurt by this tragic loss!
Love you Martie & Nick! You’ll never know how much you guys love and Brads love for my son has meant to me. My love and prayers go out to you. From one mother to another, i understand if you ever need to talk im here. God will be with you, your family and friends in this time of loss.
Prayers go out to all involved, the family, friends, police officers and rescue personel. I know that the family is in alot of pain that can not be imagined but I also know that the officers an rescue workers are also effected an hurt by this very sad incident. Like the dispatcher said officers are human too and don’t want anyone to be hurt they want every one to go home to loved ones no one ever wants this. And to the person who run from Warren this might have been different circumstances not like yours so you can not compare unless you know. So just please don’t argue about this just be respectful at this time toward the family. Again my prayers are with the family.
My prayers also go out to all involved,To Leroy: if you and Keisha would have been listening to the scanner you would have the Officers say that they lost him and they think it was around Cherry and Jackson. You would have also heard the Officer say that he was in pursuit of a Blue UNLICENSED Ford Mustang going 80 m.p.h. east on Jackson the accident was found by anouther officer a half mile from where the accident was located. This is not the time for tring critique the Officers involved but the time to be there for all involved.My heart and prayers go out to all involved!
To Keisha…please look at Leroy’s comment again. A note was added at the bottom and explained the whole pursuit.
Keisha you are mistaken, no one ran the tags because there were none on the vehicle. What u heard was the officer call out a desciption of the vehicle.
My thoughts and prayers go out to the young mans family and all the first responders.
This is a terrible tragedy, and it should not have happened. I know this will probably be an unpopular opinion, atleast with Keisha and LEROY, but it’s not the police’s fault when some one chooses to run. I have done more than my fair share of stupid things in my life, but when you get caught you have to deal with it. I am so sorry this young man felt he had to run for whatever reason, but don’t automatically start blaming our police.
Martie I am so sorry for you loss. I have no idea as to what you are going through but I do know that Brad was a wonderful young man and will be missed by many. My prayers will go out to you and your family.
i dont know what scanner people were was listening to but the car did not have tags, and not every situation is the same. This is a tragic accident and i would not wish this upon anyone at any time. But i know for a fact that police officers do not know why they run at the time the chase begins. This and every pursuit can be prevented just by mashing the breaks….I would rather spend a night in jail…..again my heart goes out to the young man and his family, at this tragic time….
The family our in my thoughts and prayers. I had a terrible accident in the same exact spot Jan.’08. Reason for my accident is because I was drinking & driving. It has affected my life in bad ways and good ways. I have been sober since. Even though the accident I had was my fault, It could have very easily been worse if the trees were not there. I would have driven through a house and hurt other ppl. No matter what happened,this young man is not here anymore. Not only do I pray for The Smith Family,the officers are also in my prayers. God Bless.
May this young man Rest In Peace. My prayers are with the family. God Bless.
In the magazine section of today’s Democrat/Gazette, there is an article that addresses the topic of how teenagers think differently from adults. Their brains are not fully grown when it comes to forethought and possible consequences of their actions. They are more given to impulse decisions…this sad event appears to be an example of a kid making a poor decision in the heat of the moment. Does this make him a bad boy…absolutely not. Neither does it make the officers “bad guys” for doing their jobs. Young people, when they get their driving licenses, should be told over and over and over, that their folks would much rather come pick them up at a police station than have something this tragic happen. A family can recover from a ticket, even an arrest….but will never get over a tragedy like this. My heart goes out to this young man’s family. They have my sincere condolences.
And I would also like to say that there should be somekind of signs on that road that say sharp curve ahead because I can promise you that you can’t make the curve running over 40-45mph. The speed limit sign is old,faded and barely readable and says 30mph. There also needs to be somekind of railing like on a bridge going around this curve because someone can very easily drive threw the house that is about 30-40ft behind these trees. This is the 2nd time in 3yrs this has happened at the same location. Again I’m sorry for the loss of your loved one. Prayers to all this has affected including the homeowner because this could have been alot worse.
This is so sad!!!! My heart and prayers goes out to Bradley’s family and friends. A life cut so short…I’m so sorry for your loss!!! When a child we make wrong decisions in a split second, only as adults in the later years we learn the reasoning of restraint, hopefully. I pray the Lord will hover over the Smith family and keep you in his hands through this terriable tragidy!!!
I really don’t care of all the if ands or buts about this tragic event. I don’t care about what that must have been running thru this great kid’s head when he was said to seen blue lights, I know in my heart that he was scared, afraid, and probably terrified, and not about going to jail for one night as one person put it, he was afraid he might disappoint his family, friends (of which he had many), or his girlfriend or her family. People, I’m here to tell that this was a wonderful and caring young,too young, man and he might still be alive and able to tell us that he was sorry, if it was made a state wide law NOT to have speed chases, for the safety of everyone. NOT just if you get the tag number in ALL cases. this protects everyone. If someone actually gets away from law enforcement sometimes, we can live with that. What we can’t live with is another young man making a bad mistake and costing him his life. Please encourage the passing of such a law to protect everyone, wether they choose to be involved or not. We are going to miss Brad forever. I keep wondering if there was something that I could have done or said that could have changed what happened this morning, but I know that there was nothing, because Brad has wonderful parents and I know they said and did everything they that could. Because Brad was a great young man and we all loved him very much. He was just that kind of kid. He had so much to give to the world, that great smile I’ll never forget, especially when he wanted to keep my granddaughter out a little past her curfue. Please don’t let another mother or girlfriend go to bed tonight and know that they’ll never see the one that they love smile!! Ms. Taylor and family I know our loss is nothing like yours, just know you’re not alone. I’d like to say that it gets better with time, but that would be a lie. It’s always there.
people u should have nice comment’s and u need to b nice to the police and fire and ambulance people they where trying to help. we need to give this family our prayer’s
i have nothing to say about running from the law, but bradley was a good man, he would be there for you when u needed him and was just plain fun to be around, he is a horrible loss and i pray for his family
The family and loved one’s are in our thoughts.
This is so sad. Why do you idiots come on here and try to blame the police? They were doing their job.. they will probably never forget that night for the rest of their lives. I’ve seen death and I know how it changes all involved. They were the first on the scene. Can YOU imagine being the first on scene to a horrific accident such as this? Just look at the pictures. I hope the family and the officers find peace.
if you look at my comment i wasnt bashing police.i said they should have gotten tags then backed off.joe let me know that they did back off and that was it.if they backed off then they did right by it.
Since the other aspects of the accident are being repeated, only “In Memory” type commets will be posted, from this point.
To the family my prayers go out to you. God is the answer at a time like. People, a young child life has been lost. God is the answer, he will solve all problems. As I looked from a distance alll I could think about is it my child I had one at home with me but one that was suppose to be at his house? I started dialing numbers. Someone child is gone and we are not thinking about the family and the ones involve at all. I live on Cash, there is a curve and it do need something showing the curve, if you are not familiar with the street you will miss the curve. But as for the people involved, we need to wrap our arms around them. Because a life is gone. I hope everyone find it in your hearts to understand that as a community we need to come together and help each other out by showing love and sending up prayers. If you don’t believe prayer will change things, then show some love. If you don’t believe in love then you are heartless and will continue to blame everyone. Believe everything that happens the true will come out. So family I will continue to pray for you as I do everynight for this community and the people in it. I will continue to pray that God is the answer and he will work things out.
I’m so sorry for your loss. I recently loss my husband. I do know what you are going through. My daughter graduated with your son. You and your family are in my prayers.
brad was my boyfriend and an amazing one at that, I loved him with every fiber of my being and i never wanted to lose him. He gave me the world and ment the world to me. i loved him more than anything. when i found out i couldnt breathe my heart basically stopped and i fell to the floor. I live with my mamaw and my papaw just recently died. Now i know how she really feels. and its so hard, so please make sure that you tell all of your loved ones that you love them all day everyday and please dont drink and drive, This boy was my world and in one night it all came crashing down.
R.I.P BooBear, I miss u so much.
Marty I am so sorry for your loss! He is in the arms of Mrs Becky and Mr Al now he is in good hands!!! Yall are in my thoughts and prayers!
as a parent who has lost a child, i offer my deepest sympathy for this family, it was a horrible accident, that took a life too soon, I will pray for all to get through this difficult time dureing this holiday season and pray for them to learn to live again as time goes by…RIP BRAD
Hey, brad! Wow I can’t belive this even though I’ve seen it and read. It more than once.. Its crazy we won’t be able to sit in kaylas floor and have heart to heart talks anymore… You should see kayla she is being so strong for herself idk if it jus hasn’t hit her yet or wht but she’s doing good… You were her rock , it is the sweetest thing to see you guys together no man looks at girls the way you looked at her! We miss you brad… Gone but NEVER forgotten!
Very sorry for your loss. All involved will be in our prayers. Please tell your children to never run. The officers will always let you call mom and dad. No matter what its ok to stop!!
RIP Bradford!!!!
Our condolence and sympanthy goes to the family of this young man. This was a very tramatic event and no family should have to go through this!
My heart goes out to the family. So sorry for your loss.
Being the 1st responder to this wreck n the one 3yrs ago, I can tell u
That everyone on scene did everything
Possible to help. I cannot begin to imagine what the Smith family is going through but if that car had come another 10 to 15
Feet it would have killed my lil baby. Big Al couldn’t have said it better…the city needs to step it up & give that area some attention. A sign and some gaurd rails would be ideal, along with some ditch work. We were lucky both times but I don’t want to take anymore chances. My prayers go out to the Smith family & if y’all need anything plz let us know.
I will keep everyone involved in my prayers. Seek God because that is the only thing that will give you peace. Dont seek answers because it will only make it worse on you. Just know that it was time for your Brad to go and be with the Lord. Bless you and your family.
my prayer are with Mrs. Marty and her family. Just believe GOD does everything for a reason.
Praying for Bradleys family. There is always going to be an empty place in their hearts, but I know that God will be with them and keep his hands on this family giving them the comfort and strength to get threw this hard time. Just remember keep your faith threw everything even the hard times that seem impossible to ever get over!
i’m glad to say Bradley was my cousin, a great guy with a beautiful smile and always a kind word for all.
… I will never 4get that handsome smile & eyes so blue and bright!!! RIP Brad!!!
My condolence are sent 2 tha family n their time of grief!!! <3 <3 <3
Brad!! I Love And Miss You SOOOO Much!! You Always [NO Matter What] Put A Smile On Every Ones Face!! And Thinkin About All The Good Times We Had Still Makes Me Smile!! You Were The Best Friend That ANY One Needed And Im Gunna Miss That!! Soo Be Our Guardian Angel!! See You Soon!! RIP!
PS. Prayers Go Out To Nick His Mom His Dad And His Grandpa Buddy!! And To All His Friends And Family!! LOVE YOU AND MISS YOU BRAD!!!!
Please pray for my friend Martie and her son Nick. You all have no idea what she is going through. Some you need to be be careful what you post. Brad was a nice respectful young man that made a bad choice. We know the day nor the hour that God will call us to be with him or how we will leave this earth. Now is time for us to get right in Gods eyes. Martie did an excellent job raising her sons but it was time for God to finish the rest. Peace be with you BRAD. LOVE Ms. Jo Ann
To the family i’m so sorry for your lost. i dont know how you feel but my deepest prayers for you. And for all of you who want to keep pointing fingers think about everyone envolved. I was there and to be exact the first one there being that it was in my yard. The cops weren’t even there when it happened we had to flag them down to show them where it was. if it wounldn’t have been from the trees & the small creek that runs along our home my 1 yr old son would have lost his life along with me because when it started happening i ran in to check on him. he landed only 15 or so feet away from my son’s bedroom. where the baby was sleeping. He almost came in our house. so if anything shut up blaming everyone it was a stupid mistake by a young man and it could have been more than one life lost. Until you go though that you have no right blaming anyone. My son still isn’t sleeping good along with me cause of this accident. thank the lord he was watching over our family
I didn’t know Bradley personally, but I was at sonic a while back and this lady was very rude and this very handsome young man smiled the most beautiful smile and handled her with grace and professionalism that when he brought my order, I complimented him. Turns out, that was Bradley. I cannot imagine what his family and friends are goning thru, but I pray that God will help them thru this most difficult time. RIP Bradley Smith
Bradley was a great yound man and everytime I saw him he had a smile on his face. We love you Martie and Nick and will miss Brad very much!! Brad was taken TOO soon from this earth. WE LOVE YOU ALL and are praying very very hard!!!
I didnt know Bradley, but my heart goes out to family and friends. I am so sorry for your loss. Soo sad.
Again, I am sorry for the loss.
I am praying that all involved in this situation find peace and comfort with the Lord.
Brad always had a smile on his face. His mom did a great job bringing up her boys. He was always willing to help out anyone. God has called him home and we will miss him. Until the day when we see his smiling face, he will be greatly missed.
rip bradley. it was greattt* knowing you while you was her darling. you was a great friend! i’ll alllwayyys love you no matter what. you* and your family is still in my prayers. i remember the night, i got the call and somebody telling you had a wreck. i cried for 3 days, even at school. your be in my heart forever, and your never be forgotten.