Kayli Turney, Paula Deist Obituary, Death: Two victims ID’d in deadly Central Avenue causeway crash
Kayli Turney, Paula Deist Obituary, Death – Two women from Hot Springs lost their lives, and a man and a child were injured in a head-on crash involving two vehicles on Wednesday, according to a report released Sunday by the Arkansas Department of Public Safety.
The accident occurred around 1:30 p.m. in the 5100 block of Central Avenue. The victims were identified as Paula Deist, 77, who was driving a 2018 Toyota, and Kayli Turney, 19, who was a passenger in a 2008 Hyundai. Both women were declared dead at the scene by the Garland County Coroner’s Office.
The driver of the Hyundai, 21-year-old Alex Neito of Hot Springs, and a young passenger—whose age and gender have not been disclosed—were both injured in the collision. Emergency responders with LifeNet transported Neito and the minor to CHI St. Vincent Hot Springs for medical treatment. Their current conditions were not released.
According to the police report, Deist had been traveling south on Central Avenue, while Neito was heading north in the opposite direction. For reasons still under investigation, Deist’s vehicle veered into the northbound lane, resulting in a direct head-on impact with Neito’s Hyundai in the inner lane of traffic.
Arkansas State Police are conducting the investigation. The report notes that weather and road conditions at the time of the crash were clear and dry, indicating that external conditions likely did not contribute to the collision. Authorities have not yet provided further information on what caused Deist’s vehicle to cross into oncoming traffic.
The crash shut down part of the Central Avenue causeway as first responders and law enforcement worked the scene, assessed the victims, and began their investigation. Both vehicles sustained significant damage due to the severity of the impact.
No charges have been filed, and it is unclear if any mechanical issues, driver distraction, or medical events may have played a role in the crash. Toxicology reports and further analysis by investigators are expected to help clarify the sequence of events.
This tragic incident has left two families mourning their loved ones and raised fresh concerns about traffic safety along Central Avenue. Friends and family have begun posting tributes online, remembering Deist and Turney for their warmth and community spirit.
Authorities are asking anyone who may have witnessed the crash or who has relevant information to contact Arkansas State Police to aid in the ongoing investigation. As of now, there is no word on whether additional updates will be released.
The crash serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance and caution on the road, even during seemingly ideal driving conditions.
