Pine Bluff Councilwoman LaTisha Brunson tearfully honored Krishaun Epperson-McKellar, a high school classmate and beloved community member, in a touching tribute during Monday’s City Council meeting.
On June 28, a significant multi-vehicle crash involving seven vehicles — three 18-wheelers and four passenger vehicles — took place on Interstate 20 in Terrell, Texas, as reported by Dallas ABC affiliate WFAA-TV. Epperson-McKellar, a 1998 graduate of Pine Bluff High School, was involved in this crash.
“I want to make sure that the family knows that Krishaun was loved and she has not been forgotten,” she said. Mayor Vivian Flowers officially proclaimed Aug. 2 as “Mrs. Krishaun Epperson-McKellar Remembrance Day,” stating, “what was, in fact, a tragedy for your family was a tragedy for this city.”
The incident happened when Alexis Osmani Gonzalez-Companioni, who was driving a truck-tractor and transporting a U.S. Postal Service load, reportedly fell asleep at the wheel and crashed into slowed traffic. This initial impact led to a chain reaction, involving a Ford F-150 with five occupants, two other 18-wheelers, a Jeep Compass, a Ford Mustang and a Honda Civic.
Gonzalez-Companioni and the three people in the Mustang sustained non-incapacitating injuries. The occupants of the Civic and the other two 18-wheeler drivers were not injured. The crash resulted in four fatalities, with members of the same family in the F-150: Billy McKellar, Zabar McKellar, Krishaun McKellar and Kason McKellar.
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Evan McKellar was the sole survivor. In response, the McKellar Family Fund GoFundMe was established, which reads:
“An 18-wheeler driver, who is believed to have fallen asleep at the wheel, collided with the McKellar family’s vehicle, taking the lives of Grandfather and Husband/Father Zabar McKellar, Wife/Mom Krishaun McKellar, and their 15-year-old son Kason McKellar. Their 20-year-old daughter, Evan McKellar, survived the accident but is currently in the ICU. This unimaginable tragedy has deeply touched the hearts of many, and we are incredibly grateful for the overwhelming love, prayers, and support shown during this time. So many have reached out asking how they can help or give back to the family in this moment of sorrow. This GoFundMe has been created for just that purpose. Whether through donations, kind words, or continued prayers, we appreciate every single gesture. Thank you for keeping the McKellar family in your hearts.”
The meeting concluded with public comments. A representative from Arkansas Rehabilitation Services presented ARS’ programs aimed at assisting individuals with disabilities and medical conditions, emphasizing the broad scope of its services.
“We address the needs of people who have medical conditions stated by the doctor,” he said, further clarifying the eligibility requirements: “You don’t have to have a disability, you just have to have a doctor’s statement saying this is what’s wrong, but this is what I treat this person for, they can come in our office, we will evaluate them. … We’re looking at physical, mental, and emotional,” he said.
He also detailed their “restoration program” for employed individuals needing financial assistance for medical care to return to work.