Sixty-six-year-old Donna Jean Burdick went out for what should’ve been a simple, quiet walk in her hometown of Southside, Arkansas—and returned no more. On Thursday evening, around 6:20 p.m., the unthinkable happened: as she crossed busy State Highway 167, a northbound Ford F-150 pickup struck her, and despite swift emergency response, she was pronounced dead at the scene.
The crash has left the Southside community reeling. Neighbors describe Donna as someone who regularly enjoyed walks in the early evening. That ordinary routine became a nightmare in just moments, and her family is now grappling with a sudden void. Friends say she was friendly, active, and always part of the daily rhythm of the neighborhood—so her absence now hits hard.
State investigators with the Arkansas State Police (ASP) spent Thursday night combing the scene, documenting vehicle positions, roadway conditions and lighting, as well as any physical evidence that might help make sense of what happened. The driver of the pickup has not been publicly identified, and authorities report no other vehicles were involved.
While it’s still early in the investigation, ASP emphasized the importance of getting every detail right: what the traffic flow was like at that hour, how visible the pedestrian was to on-coming cars, and whether any surveillance footage or eyewitnesses can add clarity. They are urging anyone who saw the event—from start to finish—to come forward.
The broader concern this tragedy highlights is the danger pedestrians face on major roadways, especially after dusk. With fewer daylight hours and increasing traffic, small missteps can carry devastating consequences. Officials urge drivers to slow down when visibility drops and stay alert for people crossing unexpectedly. At the same time, pedestrians are reminded to use marked crossings when possible, avoid distractions like phones or headphones, and make sure they are seen.
In the hours that followed the crash, multiple emergency response teams worked together to secure the area and keep other motorists safe while the investigation proceeded. The community’s shock is palpable—Southside residents paused daily routines, offered prayers and condolences, and recalled Donna’s warmth and presence as a fixture of their daily lives.
As ASP continues its work, the hope is to bring not just answers—but also awareness. Donna’s passing is a wake-up call that what seems like a routine walk can end in profound loss, and that every driver, every pedestrian shares responsibility for safety on our roads.
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