2 days ago
Deadly crash leaves Garland County deputy hospitalized
HOT SPRINGS, Ark. – A deadly crash Sunday left a Garland County Sheriff's Office deputy hospitalized and another man dead.
Conditions were foggy before sunrise around 4:40 a.m. According to an Arkansas State Police crash report, 22-year-old Lane Murphy of Plumerville was heading north when he crossed the center line and struck 22-year-old Deputy Gavan Mason's patrol vehicle.
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Mason's vehicle overturned after a collision, but Murphy went off the road and died at the scene. GCSO Public Information Officer Captain Joel Ware said Mason was rushed to CHI St. Vincent Hospital with internal injuries and a broken arm, which required surgery.
'Those affected by it, our hearts go out to him,' Ware said. 'For the damage to be as severe as it was pretty scary. Very fortunate that Deputy Mason is still here with us.'
It is estimated that it will take 12 weeks before Deputy Mason can return to work. He was already on track to be moved out of the patrol car and into an investigator position.
GCSO Chief Deputy Steven Elrod said Mason has that 'X factor.'
'He is a team player. He has great camaraderie. He is versatile in so many different areas. Wherever you need him, he's able to respond,' Elrod stated.
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Although Mason can't respond right now, the community and coworkers have to help the 22-year-old deputy with his medical and financial needs.
Elrod said in the last year, the new stretch of Highway 5 where the crash happened has had 17 accidents. Garland County is collecting data to ask the Arkansas Department of Transportation what can be done to make the area safer.
'Deputy Mason certainly wasn't the first person to be injured out in that stretch. We want him to be the last if we can,' Elrod said.
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Those willing to assist with Deputy Mason's recovery can make donations to any First Security Bank in his name. There are also methods to do so online.
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