International truck turning at Nestle Way struck Harley Davidson motorcycle
April 22, 2026 | Jonesboro, AR
Authorities have identified 60-year-old David Ray of Brookland as the motorcyclist who lost his life in a collision with a commercial vehicle on Highway 18.
David Ray, 60, died after a Harley-Davidson motorcycle and International truck crash on Highway 18 East at Nestle Way in Jonesboro.
The incident occurred as Ray rode eastbound on his 2024 Harley-Davidson. Near the Nestle Way intersection around 5:41 p.m. on April 22, a 2026 International truck initiated a southbound turn, causing its trailer to encroach into the motorcycle's lane and strike Ray.
He suffered severe injuries and was declared deceased at the location. The truck operator escaped unharmed. Conditions at the time included clear skies and a dry pavement surface.
The Jonesboro Police Department leads the ongoing investigation into the circumstances.
What Happened in the Crash?
Investigators from the Arkansas State Police detailed the sequence of circumstances leading to the tragedy.
- Date and Time: April 22, approximately 5:41 p.m.
- Location: Highway 18 East at Nestle Way, Jonesboro, Arkansas
- Vehicles Involved: 2024 Harley-Davidson motorcycle and 2026 International commercial truck
- Victim: David Ray, 60, of Brookland, Arkansas – pronounced dead on scene
- Other Parties: Truck driver uninjured
- Environmental Factors: Clear weather, dry roadway
Why Do Motorcycle-Truck Accidents Happen?
Collisions between motorcycles and large commercial vehicles often stem from visibility issues, turning maneuvers, and speed differentials. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), motorcyclists face heightened risks in such scenarios.
Factor |
Description |
Statistics (NHTSA, 2022) |
|---|
Wide Turns |
Trucks require more space, leading to swing-outs into adjacent lanes |
25% of truck-motorcycle crashes involve turns |
Blind Spots |
Large vehicles obscure views of smaller ones |
Motorcyclists 28 times more likely to die in crashes than car occupants |
Lane Positioning |
Motorcycles in unexpected positions for truck drivers |
Over 5,000 motorcyclist fatalities annually in the U.S. |
Speed Mismatch |
Differences in vehicle speeds during intersections |
80% of motorcycle crashes occur at intersections |
These insights underscore the need for heightened awareness among all road users.
Legal Insights
National legal analysts emphasize the complexities surrounding commercial vehicle incidents.
"In cases such as this, conducting an independent investigation promptly is crucial to safeguard the interests of those affected," said Candice Bond, managing partner at Bond Legal.
Key takeaways from analyst perspectives include:
- Commercial crashes involve multiple contributing elements that require thorough examination.
- Trucking firms frequently deploy their own teams to sites, leveraging extensive resources to support their drivers.
- Legal representation can secure professional analyses, verify driver histories, identify eyewitnesses, and assess insurance options while navigating proceedings.
"Losing a loved one in an accident brings profound sorrow and disruption to families. Beyond emotional tolls, financial burdens like lost earnings and burial expenses can be severe," noted Stefano Formica, of counsel with Bond Legal.
For families considering options, pursuing claims may address elements like funeral costs, income loss, and emotional distress.
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Candice Bond, national legal analyst for Newsline, has experience in commercial trucking accident cases. Contact her for a free consultation if you need legal support.
(Candice Bond, our national legal analyst, is a Managing Partner at Bond Legal. Newsline can and does use quotes from prior interviews with our analysts for our news articles. If you would like to contact Bond Legal to help you, please call 866-985-6515 or use the submission box found on this page. Legal analysts quoted may or may not be licensed in your state).