Taylor David Rhoades Arrested for DWI and Negligent Homicide in Deadly Crash on I-555 Near Trumann

TRUMANN, AR — A tragic crash on Interstate 555 near Trumann has led to the arrest of Taylor David Rhoades, 25, of Pocahontas, who now faces multiple felony charges, including Negligent Homicide and Driving While Intoxicated (DWI). The incident, which occurred on the evening of June 26, 2025, claimed the lives of two Paragould men and has left the community shaken.

According to the Arkansas State Police, Rhoades was driving a 2010 Ford Focus around 7:30 p.m. when he struck 36-year-old Tyler Slayton and 31-year-old Jacob Ward. The two men had pulled over on the shoulder of the interstate and were working to repair a flat tire when they were fatally hit by Rhoades’ vehicle.

Both Slayton and Ward were pronounced deceased at the scene by the Poinsett County Deputy Coroner.

Following the crash, a Poinsett County Sheriff’s Deputy observed a damaged vehicle matching the suspect description. The deputy initiated a traffic stop and identified the driver as Taylor David Rhoades. Evidence recovered at the scene and during the stop directly linked Rhoades’ vehicle to the fatal incident.

Rhoades was arrested and transported to the Poinsett County Detention Center, where he is currently being held on a $100,000 bond. He faces the following charges:

• Negligent Homicide (2 counts)
• Driving While Intoxicated (DWI)
• Careless or Prohibited Driving
• Leaving the Scene of an Accident Involving Injuries or Death

The loss of Tyler Slayton and Jacob Ward has left a lasting impact on their families and the broader Paragould community. Both men are remembered as kind, hardworking individuals who were trying to help themselves during a roadside emergency—a moment that ended in unimaginable tragedy.

Authorities have stressed the importance of driving responsibly and remaining alert near stalled vehicles and emergency scenes. This devastating incident has renewed calls for greater education, enforcement, and responsibility regarding impaired driving and roadside safety.

As Taylor David Rhoades awaits his next court appearance, the victims’ loved ones continue to mourn the lives that were senselessly cut short.

#TaylorDavidRhoades #I555Crash #NegligentHomicide #DWIArrest #TylerSlayton #JacobWard #Paragould #TrumannAR #PoinsettCounty #ArkansasStatePolice

Taylor David Rhoades Arrested for DWI and Negligent Homicide in Deadly Crash on I-555 Near Trumann

By Jay Skelton | July 1, 2025

TRUMANN, AR — A tragic crash on Interstate 555 near Trumann has led to the arrest of Taylor David Rhoades, 25, of Pocahontas, who now faces multiple felony charges, including Negligent Homicide and Driving While Intoxicated (DWI). The incident, which occurred on the evening of June 26, 2025, claimed the lives of two Paragould men and has left the community shaken.

According to the Arkansas State Police, Rhoades was driving a 2010 Ford Focus around 7:30 p.m. when he struck 36-year-old Tyler Slayton and 31-year-old Jacob Ward. The two men had pulled over on the shoulder of the interstate and were working to repair a flat tire when they were fatally hit by Rhoades’ vehicle.

Both Slayton and Ward were pronounced deceased at the scene by the Poinsett County Deputy Coroner.

Following the crash, a Poinsett County Sheriff’s Deputy observed a damaged vehicle matching the suspect description. The deputy initiated a traffic stop and identified the driver as Taylor David Rhoades. Evidence recovered at the scene and during the stop directly linked Rhoades’ vehicle to the fatal incident.

Rhoades was arrested and transported to the Poinsett County Detention Center, where he is currently being held on a $100,000 bond. He faces the following charges:

• Negligent Homicide (2 counts)
• Driving While Intoxicated (DWI)
• Careless or Prohibited Driving
• Leaving the Scene of an Accident Involving Injuries or Death

The loss of Tyler Slayton and Jacob Ward has left a lasting impact on their families and the broader Paragould community. Both men are remembered as kind, hardworking individuals who were trying to help themselves during a roadside emergency—a moment that ended in unimaginable tragedy.

Authorities have stressed the importance of driving responsibly and remaining alert near stalled vehicles and emergency scenes. This devastating incident has renewed calls for greater education, enforcement, and responsibility regarding impaired driving and roadside safety.

As Taylor David Rhoades awaits his next court appearance, the victims’ loved ones continue to mourn the lives that were senselessly cut short.