An Arkansas State Police trooper injured in a car accident on U.S. Highway 71 remains in serious, but stable condition in a Little Rock hospital.
Cpl. Clayton McWilliams, 32, of Ashdown, Ark. was undergoing surgery Monday morning, his mother-in-law Deanna Sivley said.
McWilliams was taken to a Little Rock hospital after initially being taken to CHRISTUS St. Michael Health System on Jan. 3.
While driving to a crash scene along U.S. Highway 71, McWilliams' patrol vehicle apparently left the roadway after hydroplaning and struck a tree.
Heavy rainfall in the area is believed to have contributed to the cause of the crash.
"We appreciate all the prayers and support we've been getting. This teaches us humility."
The accident happened at 12:50 p.m. Jan. 3 on U.S. Highway 71 near Wilton, Ark., in Little River County, according to a news release. McWilliams was responding to a crash scene in Sevier County where a logging truck had overturned.
"He has been stable enough to have surgery," Sivley said. "The state police have been outstanding and have been to the hospital every day.
"We appreciate all the prayers and support we've been getting. This teaches us humility."
A fund has been established for McWilliams' family at Diamond Bank of Texarkana. Deposits can be made at any Diamond Bank branch.
The account is sponsored by Arkansas State Police Foundation Spouse's Auxiliary.
Questions regarding this account can be directed to Emily Hamilton at 870-292-9914 or Hilary Young at 903-244-3591.
There is also support coming from the Arden community near Ashdown where McWilliams lives with his family.
The Arden Volunteer Fire Department, Little River County Sheriff's Department and Ashdown Police Department are holding a chili dinner and auction to benefit McWilliams and his family with medical expenses.
The fundraiser will be held at 5 p.m. Saturday at the Arden Community Building.
"He and his wife live here and his mother-in-law. Some of his relatives are firefighters with Arden VFD. This is just the community giving back," Johnny Brown of the Arden VFD said.
"He's a good neighbor and a well-hearted, all-around good guy."
Anyone who would like to donate items for the auction, can call Johnny Brown at 903-748-6846, Richard Bowman at 870-648-6281 or Justin Cooper at 903-824-0016.
An account for the family has also been established at Mil-Way Federal Credit Union in Ashdown.