Farmington police: Man was driving 102 mph just before fatal head-on crash
FARMINGTON, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) — Farmington police have released an update on the fatal head-on crash that killed three people on April 18.
After an investigation, police say the primary cause of the accident was the high rate of speed driven by Stephen Kaufmann. The black box in Kaufmann’s Acura and the Chevrolet Tahoe involved in the crash indicated Kaufmann was traveling 102 mph southbound on North Broyles Street where the speed limit is 30 mph.
The department says at the time of Kaufmann’s death, marijuana, alcohol and kratom were found in his system.
Man hopes wife’s death in Farmington crash brings others to God
“Various contribution factors, including but not limited to possible intoxication have been identified,” the release states.
Police say Kaufmann caused the accident because of his “reckless operation” of the vehicle.
“I’ve been an officer for 10 years. That was one of the hardest calls I’ve ever went to. This is a tragic day for the community of Farmington. Losing 3 people in an automobile accident is not something we respond to every day,” said Lt. Justin Collins with the Farmington Police Department
According to a crash report, Kaufmann was traveling southbound on Broyles Street in a white Acura passenger car when a second vehicle, a white Chevrolet SUV was traveling northbound.
Kaufmann crossed into traffic to pass a third vehicle and struck the second vehicle head-on. Kauffman along with Laurelye Kaufmann, 14; and Jennifer Kelley, 34, were killed in the crash.
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KNWA FOX24.
