The small town of Lake City, Arkansas, was rocked by tragedy on Friday when a head-on collision involving an ambulance claimed the lives of two individuals, including a paramedic. The incident occurred at 10:26 a.m. on State Highway 18 at the intersection of Highway 158, sending shockwaves through the community and beyond.
According to the preliminary fatal crash report released by Arkansas State Police, 67-year-old Janet Chapman of Blytheville, Arkansas, was traveling eastbound in her 2024 Nissan Sentra when she crossed the center lane and entered the inside westbound lane. This reckless maneuver led to a devastating collision with a westbound 2018 Ford E-350 ambulance driven by 54-year-old Cheri Gibson of Paragould, Arkansas.
Tragically, both Chapman and Mark Gibson, the paramedic on board the ambulance and husband of Cheri Gibson, lost their lives in the crash. Cheri Gibson, who is also an EMT, and the ambulance’s passenger, 72-year-old Phyllis Moore of Manila, Arkansas, sustained injuries and were rushed to receive medical attention.
The news of the deadly ambulance crash spread quickly, prompting an outpouring of support and prayers from the community. Emerson Ambulance Service, the company involved in the incident, confirmed the involvement of one of their vehicles and urged the public to keep the crew in their thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
The West Memphis Fire Department, where Mark Gibson had served the community for nearly three decades, also issued a statement asking for prayers for Cheri Gibson and the extended family of the couple. They emphasized the need for support as Cheri recovers from her injuries and the family copes with the loss of their loved ones.
In a poignant display of respect for Mark Gibson’s years of dedication and service, the West Memphis Fire Department organized a solemn procession to escort his body to Emerson Funeral Home in Jonesboro, Arkansas. The procession, led by a sea of red and blue lights, was attended by numerous departments and community members who came together to show their love, support, and respect for the fallen hero.
As the community mourns the loss of two lives and prays for the recovery of those injured, the impact of this tragic event serves as a stark reminder of the risks and sacrifices that first responders and medical personnel face every day in the line of duty. The memory of Mark Gibson and Janet Chapman will forever be honored and remembered by those whose lives they touched.