Accident Claims Life of Wickes Man

A two-vehicle accident claimed the life of a Wickes man in Polk County Tuesday afternoon, according to the Arkansas State Police. According to the agency’s fatal crash report, 44-year-old Anthony J. Cole of Wickes was southbound on U.S. Highway 71 yesterday when his 2002 Chevy S-10 crossed the centerline and struck a 2019 Freightliner semi-truck, according to the investigating state trooper. The head-on accident occurred around 2 p.m. Tuesday afternoon. The S-10 carrying Cole came to a final rest on the west side of the highway facing east. Cole was pronounced dead at the scene by Polk County Coroner Brian Bowser. The driver of the semi-truck, who was not identified in the report, was not injured. Investigating state trooper Seth Smedley reported road conditions as clear and dry at the time of the accident.