A Foreman High School senior died Wednesday in a single-vehicle crash on a gravel road en route to graduation rehearsal.
Two others in the vehicle were also injured.
Amanii Beard, 18, of Foreman was driving a 1999 Chevrolet Cavalier toward Oscar Hamilton Elementary School on a gravel road west of the school about 9:30 a.m. Wednesday when she lost control of the car, and it crashed into a tree, authorities said.
The accident killed Amanii and seriously injured two passengers: Alyssa Jones, 18, of Foreman and a 17-year-old classmate whose name officials could not release because of her age.
The accident happened on Little River County Road 53, said Arkansas State Police Lt. Jamie Gravier.
Amanii was trapped in the vehicle and had to be extricated. She was pronounced dead at the scene by County Coroner Roddy Smith.
Amanii, Alyssa and the 17-year-old started their school days in kindergarten at Oscar Hamilton Elementary. In two days, all three would be Foreman High School graduates.
"They were going back to the elementary school to practice walking for graduation because that's where they all started school," Sheriff Bobby Walraven said.
"It's a sad day for Little River County. This is the worst part of this job, to see young kids gone so soon," Walraven said.
"It's a tragic day for Foreman. Our thoughts and prayers go to the families. Foreman is a great town, and they love their kids," said George Kennedy, Foreman School District superintendent.
Grief counselors will be available at the school, he said.
Arkansas State Police Trooper Josh Broughton is investigating the accident.