Gentry Teen Dies In Head-On Collision With Tractor-Trailer Friday

Saturday, June 21, 2014

An 18-year-old Gentry woman died early Friday in a head-on collision on Arkansas 59 south of Arkotex Road, according to the Arkansas State Police.

Sophia Asencio-Porter, a 2014 Gentry High School graduate, died about 4:30 a.m. when her northbound 1997 Nissan Maxima crossed a turn lane and two southbound lanes, colliding head-on with a Simmons Foods tractor-trailer. The truck was by driven by Richard S. Snell Jr., 58, of Grove, Okla.

Snell, who was driving south, was unable to avoid the accident and stopped in the ditch on the southbound side of the road, according to the report. Asencio-Porter died immediately and was pronounced dead at the scene, said Cpl. Mike Morgan.

Snell was taken to Siloam Springs Regional Hospital in fair condition, according to police.

Police said in the report Asencio-Porter may have fallen asleep while driving. She was returning from teaching at an out-of-state cheer camp and planned to leave for vacation with her family Friday, said Joni Wilson, her high school cheer coach.

Asencio-Porter signed a scholarship agreement and planned to attend the University of Arkansas-Fort Smith this fall.

Asencio-Porter was wearing a seat belt and wasn't ejected from the vehicle, Morgan said. Police don't think either driver was speeding, he said.

NW News on 06/21/2014