Jonesboro, AR — June 1, 2025, Two people were killed following a car accident that occurred at around 3:50 P.M. on Nettleton Avenue.

thomas haney willow searcy car accident jonesboro ar

Authorities are investigating after a car accident left two people dead at the intersection of Nettleton Avenue and Flint Street. According to reports, a Kawasaki motorcycle occupied by Thomas Haney and Willow Searcy, was traveling eastbound on Nettleton Avenue when it allegedly ran through a red light at Flint Street.

The Kawasaki then collided with Chrysler heading north on Flint. When first responders arrived, they pronounced Haney and Willow deceased. The driver of the Chrysler has not been identified, and currently there has been no further update on the status of the investigation.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

When a motorcycle runs a red light and collides with another vehicle, it may seem like the facts are settled. But just because the surface story points one direction doesn’t mean the deeper details aren’t worth examining.

1. Did the authorities thoroughly investigate the crash?
A collision at an intersection involving a fatal outcome calls for more than a simple statement about a red light. Investigators need to confirm signal timing, verify travel paths, and check for possible evasive actions. For motorcycles especially, it’s important to examine whether the riders had control and whether there were any contributing factors leading into the intersection. If those steps aren’t taken, critical parts of the event can be missed.

2. Has anyone looked into the possibility that a vehicle defect caused the crash?
Motorcycles operate on a much narrower margin of error than cars. A brake failure, throttle malfunction, or gear issue could easily prevent a rider from stopping in time. Mechanical problems on the Kawasaki—particularly those affecting speed or control—should be ruled out through a detailed inspection. Without that, the assumption of rider fault may not reflect the full story.

3. Has all the electronic data relating to the crash been collected?
Motorcycles today can carry advanced tracking systems, and synced devices like phones or GPS units may also offer insight. This data can confirm speed, throttle position, and whether the riders attempted to brake. On the other side, vehicle data from the Chrysler could show speed and timing to help verify the sequence of events. Quick data recovery is key, especially when physical evidence is limited.

Even in crashes that seem straightforward, it’s worth asking questions that challenge the first impression. Getting to the truth means not stopping at the obvious.

Plain-language takeaways:

  • Red-light crashes still need full scene analysis to verify what actually happened.
  • A mechanical problem on the motorcycle could explain delayed braking or control loss.
  • Data from both vehicles can help confirm who moved when and how fast.

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