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Pea Ridge Today
By the People, for the People
Two Killed in Motorcycle Crash in Northwest Arkansas
Pea Ridge resident charged with negligent homicide after turning vehicle struck motorcycle
Mar. 30, 2026 at 1:35am
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A tragic intersection collision exposes the fragility of motorcycle riders and the need for greater road safety awareness.Pea Ridge TodayA husband and wife from Rogers, Arkansas were killed on March 26, 2026 when their eastbound motorcycle was struck by a westbound vehicle that turned left into their path at the intersection of U.S. Highway 62 and West Rose Street in Benton County. The driver of the other vehicle, a 45-year-old Pea Ridge resident, was arrested and charged with negligent homicide, DWI, and improper entry or exit at an intersection.
Why it matters
This tragic incident highlights the dangers that motorcyclists face on the road, especially at intersections where left-turning vehicles fail to yield to oncoming traffic. It also raises concerns about impaired driving and the need for improved road safety measures to protect vulnerable road users.
The details
According to the Arkansas State Police, the crash occurred at 11:54 a.m. when a westbound 2001 Chevrolet Tahoe driven by Jose Luis Gamez, 45, of Pea Ridge, attempted to make a left turn and struck an eastbound 1989 Harley-Davidson motorcycle driven by Michael J. Cordes, 70, with his wife Freda I. Cordes, 67, as a passenger. Both Michael and Freda Cordes were pronounced dead at the scene. Gamez was arrested and charged with two counts of negligent homicide, one count of first-offense DWI, and one count of improper entry or exit at an intersection. He is also under a hold for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
- The crash occurred at 11:54 a.m. on March 26, 2026.
- Trooper Brandon A. Walker #465 of the Arkansas State Police investigated the incident.
The players
Jose Luis Gamez
A 45-year-old resident of Pea Ridge, Arkansas who was arrested and charged with negligent homicide, DWI, and improper entry or exit at an intersection in connection with the crash.
Michael J. Cordes
A 70-year-old resident of Rogers, Arkansas who was the driver of the motorcycle involved in the fatal crash.
Freda I. Cordes
A 67-year-old resident of Rogers, Arkansas who was the passenger on the motorcycle involved in the fatal crash.
What’s next
Bond was set at $500,000 on at least one of the negligent homicide counts (with cash/surety options on the others). No additional details about the investigation, toxicology results, or court proceedings have been released as of March 30, 2026.
The takeaway
This tragic incident highlights the need for increased awareness and safety measures to protect motorcyclists on the roads, particularly at intersections where left-turning vehicles pose a significant risk. It also underscores the importance of addressing impaired driving and holding those responsible accountable for their actions.
