Fulton County Woman Dies After January Crash

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The Arkansas State Police have released details about a January crash that killed 78-year-old Mary Bates of Mammoth Spring, Fulton County. According to the crash report, Bates' vehicle left the roadway, struck a fence, went down an embankment, and overturned multiple times on U.S. Highway 62/412 near Salem. Bates was taken to a hospital but died 18 days after the accident.

Why it matters

This tragic incident highlights the dangers of rural roadways and the importance of driver safety, especially for elderly residents who may face increased risks on the road. The details provided by the state police report can help the community better understand the circumstances around Bates' death and potentially inform future efforts to improve road safety in the region.

The details

According to the Arkansas State Police report, the accident happened on January 6th at 1:54 PM when Bates' vehicle left the roadway, struck a fence, went down an embankment, and overturned multiple times on U.S. Highway 62/412 near the intersection of Gum Springs Circle, west of Salem. Bates was taken to Cox Medical Center South in Springfield for treatment of her injuries, but she died 18 days after the accident.

• The crash happened on January 6, 2026 at 1:54 PM.
• Bates died 18 days after the accident.