Assistance fund, fundraisers planned for Arkansas State Trooper hurt in accident

Cpl. Clayton McWilliams' Arkansas state trooper vehicle sits on the back of a tow truck after hydroplaning and striking a tree on the side of U.S. Highway 71 on Thursday near Wilton, Ark. McWilliams was taken to a local hospital before being transported to Little Rock.
Cpl. Clayton McWilliams' Arkansas state trooper vehicle sits on the back of a tow truck after hydroplaning and striking a tree on the side of U.S. Highway 71 on Thursday near Wilton, Ark. McWilliams was taken to a local hospital before being transported to Little Rock.

An Arkansas State Police Trooper seriously injured in a car accident on U.S. Highway 71 on Thursday remains hospitalized in a Little Rock hospital.

ASP Spokesman Bill Sadler said Friday that he could not release specific medical information on Cpl. Clayton McWilliams, 32, of Ashdown. McWilliams was taken to a Little Rock hospital after initially being taken to CHRISTUS St. Michael hospital in Texarkana, Texas.

The accident happened at 12:50 p.m. Thursday 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.

While driving to the crash scene along U.S. Highway 71, the patrol vehicle 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.

An assistance 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 87-292-9914 or Hilary Young at 903-244-3591.

"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. He's a good neighbor and a well-hearted all-around good guy."

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 hosting a chili dinner and auction to benefit McWilliams and his family with medical expenses.

The fundraiser will be held at 5 p.m. Saturday, Jan.12 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," said Johnny Brown of the Arden VFD.

"He's a good neighbor and a well-hearted all-around good guy," Brown said.

 

Anyone who would like to donate items for the auction, can call:

- Johnny Brown (903) 748-6846

- Richard Bowman (870) 648-6281

- Justin Cooper (903) 824-0016

An account for the family has also been established at Mil-Way Federal Credit Union in Ashdown.

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