Manila High School Student Brady Curtwright Dies After Lake City Crash; Family Shares Heartbreaking Tribute
Manila High School student Brady Curtwright has died from injuries in a Lake City, Arkansas crash that killed two and injured five. Read the full stor
A Manila High School family and the broader community are mourning the tragic loss of Brady Curtwright, a student who was critically injured in a devastating three-vehicle collision in Lake City, Arkansas, on December 5, 2025. After fighting for his life for two days, Brady passed away on December 7, his mother confirmed in an emotional statement.
Brady’s mother, Ashley Curtwright, shared the heartbreaking update on social media, writing that her son’s “last heartbeat” occurred at 6:55 p.m. on December 7. She described the immense grief her family is experiencing, saying the tragedy is one she “never thought would be mine.” Despite the overwhelming sorrow, she thanked the community for the outpouring of prayers, noting that their support provided her strength when she needed it most.
The fatal crash occurred around 6:33 p.m. on Friday, December 5, along Highway 18 near the Lake City Bridge. According to Arkansas State Police, a 2013 Ford driven by Brad King, 43, of Manila, was traveling eastbound when it crossed the center line and collided head-on with a 2023 Volkswagen driven by Kennedy Riggs, 20, of Blytheville. The impact caused a 2014 Toyota to strike the Volkswagen moments later.
The chain-reaction collision resulted in multiple fatalities and severe injuries:
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Brad King, driver of the Ford, was transported to a nearby hospital and later died from his injuries.
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A minor passenger in the Volkswagen was pronounced dead at the scene.
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Kennedy Riggs and four other minors in the Volkswagen were seriously injured.
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The driver of the Toyota was unharmed and had no passengers.
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Brady Curtwright, one of the injured minors, was hospitalized in critical condition and placed on life support.
On December 6, Brady’s mother revealed that he had suffered a catastrophic brain injury and no longer had brain function. She asked the community to pray for a miracle as the family prepared for the worst. By the evening of December 7, the teen succumbed to his injuries.
“This is an earth-shattering tragedy,” Ashley wrote. “We didn’t get the miracle we prayed for, but the prayers gave me strength and peace in the moment I most needed it.”
The Manila community, school officials, classmates, and families across Mississippi County continue to share condolences and support for the Curtwright family during this unimaginable time.
