Timothy Paul Nantz, Jr. Obituary, Death – A tragic accident in rural Cross County, Arkansas, claimed the life of a truck driver on Sunday afternoon when his semi-truck veered off the roadway and overturned. Arkansas State Police confirmed the crash occurred on September 14 at approximately 4:04 p.m. along the 4500 block of U.S. Highway 64, a stretch of road that runs through sparsely populated farmland and wooded areas.

According to the preliminary fatal crash report, the driver was identified as 40-year-old Timothy Paul Nantz, Jr., of Pangburn. Authorities said Nantz had been traveling westbound in a 1992 Peterbilt semi-truck when, for reasons still under investigation, the vehicle left the roadway. Once off the pavement, the large truck lost control and rolled over, coming to rest on its side. The severity of the crash left Nantz fatally injured, and he was pronounced dead at the scene by emergency responders.

The Arkansas State Police have not yet determined what caused the truck to leave the roadway. Investigators are examining whether factors such as driver fatigue, mechanical failure, or roadway conditions may have contributed to the incident. Weather conditions at the time of the crash were reported to be clear, suggesting that visibility was not a factor. The preliminary report did not indicate the presence of other vehicles or obstacles that might have forced the truck off the road.

Highway 64 is a major route that stretches across Arkansas and serves as a key corridor for both local and commercial traffic. In rural sections like Cross County, the highway passes through areas with limited shoulders and occasional sharp curves, conditions that can pose challenges for large commercial vehicles. The crash highlights the dangers faced by truck drivers who spend long hours on the road, often through remote areas where immediate medical assistance can be delayed.

Authorities closed portions of U.S. Highway 64 in the aftermath of the crash to allow troopers and recovery crews to investigate and safely remove the overturned truck from the roadway. The incident drew attention from local residents, some of whom witnessed emergency crews working to secure the site and redirect traffic around the accident scene.

Nantz’s death adds to the number of roadway fatalities recorded in Arkansas this year, underscoring the ongoing risks faced by commercial drivers. Trucking remains one of the most dangerous professions in the United States, with long shifts, heavy equipment, and high-mileage travel combining to create conditions where accidents, sometimes fatal, can occur.

Friends and family of Timothy Paul Nantz, Jr. are now mourning his sudden loss. As investigators continue their review of the accident, state police will prepare a final report that may provide clarity on what led to the crash.

The Arkansas State Police will also use findings from the case to update roadway safety data, which plays an important role in tracking trends and preventing future accidents. For now, the rural community is left grieving the loss of a man whose life ended tragically on the job while navigating one of Arkansas’s busiest highways.