The small town of Lake City, Arkansas, was struck 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.
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. Chapman’s vehicle collided head-on with a 2018 Ford E-350 ambulance driven by 54-year-old Cheri Gibson of Paragould, Arkansas.
Tragically, both Janet Chapman and Mark Gibson, Cheri’s husband who was a paramedic on board the ambulance, 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 taken to receive medical treatment.
The news of the deadly ambulance crash spread quickly, with Emerson Ambulance Service confirming that one of their vehicles was involved in the tragic incident. The Jonesboro-Craighead County E-911 reported the crash at 10:40 a.m., prompting an outpouring of support and prayers for those affected.
The West Memphis Fire Department, where Mark Gibson had served the community for nearly 30 years, issued a statement asking for prayers for Cheri Gibson and the extended family of the couple. They requested support for Cheri as she recovers from her injuries and begins the healing process, while also acknowledging the grief experienced by the families of all the victims involved in the tragedy.
In a poignant display of respect for Mark Gibson’s years of dedication and service, the West Memphis Fire Department organized a procession with a sea of red and blue lights escorting his body to Emerson Funeral Home in Jonesboro. The procession was met with an overwhelming show of love, support, and respect from various departments and community members who lined the streets to pay their respects.
As the community mourns the loss of two individuals and prays for the recovery of those injured, the impact of this tragic event will be felt for a long time to come. The West Memphis Fire Department and Emerson Ambulance Service have called for unity and support during this difficult time, emphasizing the importance of coming together as a community in the face of adversity.
The events of that fateful Friday serve as a stark reminder of the risks and sacrifices that first responders and medical personnel undertake every day to ensure the safety and well-being of others. The memory of Mark Gibson and Janet Chapman will be honored and cherished by those who knew them, and their legacy will live on in the hearts of the Lake City community.