Roxanne Bundrick dies in pedestrian accident on Interstate 40

Driver exited disabled Toyota RAV4 before Jeep Cherokee struck her in Widener

January 29, 2026 | Widener, AR

A Texas woman lost her life in a tragic highway incident in Widener, Arkansas. The crash occurred on Interstate 40 eastbound near mile marker 247.

Roxanne Bundrick, 26, from Dallas, Texas, was driving a 2018 Toyota RAV4 that became disabled on the roadside. While standing outside her vehicle around 10:30 p.m. on Jan. 29, she was struck by an eastbound 2018 Jeep Cherokee.

Roxanne Bundrick, 26, of Dallas, Texas, died after her stalled vehicle was hit and she was struck on Interstate 40 near mile marker 247 in Widener.

What Happened in the Crash?

Key details include:

• Location: Interstate 40 eastbound, mile marker 247, Widener, Saint Francis County, Arkansas
• Time: Approximately 10:30 p.m.
• Vehicles Involved: 2018 Toyota RAV4, disabled, and the 2018 Jeep Cherokee
• Victim: Roxanne Bundrick, 26, of Dallas, Texas
• Outcome: Fatal injury to Bundrick, and no other injuries reported
• Investigating Agency: Arkansas Department of Public Safety (DPS)

The DPS report indicates the Jeep collided with the disabled Toyota before striking Bundrick. Further investigation details remain pending release.

Why Do Pedestrian Accidents Like This Occur?

Pedestrian safety on highways remains a critical concern, especially near disabled vehicles. Factors such as poor visibility at night, high speeds, and roadside conditions often contribute to these tragedies.

According to the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA), pedestrian fatalities reached an estimated 7,148 nationwide in 2024, including 66 in Arkansas. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) highlights that roadways with limited lighting and shoulders increase risks for those outside vehicles.

This table underscores the urgency of addressing pedestrian vulnerabilities in motor vehicle environments.

Legal Insights on Pedestrian Crashes

In cases such as this involving pedestrians and vehicles, thorough investigations are essential to determine liability and support affected families.

“Road conditions, visibility, and lighting are all possible contributing factors considered and examined,” said Candice Bond, managing partner with Bond Legal. “An accident reconstruction team is sometimes needed to help piece together what happened. All of these resources are necessary for helping clients receive monetary compensation for damages or a loss following a pedestrian accident.”

Key takeaways from legal perspectives on these incidents:

• Drivers bear primary responsibility to yield to pedestrians, even on high-speed roads.
• Families may pursue claims for loss of income, companionship, pain and suffering, funeral costs, and emotional distress.
• Insurance pressures for quick settlements can undervalue cases, and professional advocacy ensures fair treatment.
• Resources like reconstruction professionals aid in proving negligence without direct fault assignment.

“It is almost always a driver’s duty to yield to any pedestrian,” said Stefano Formica, of counsel at Bond Legal. “Family members of wrongful death victims may seek damages for loss of income and companionship, pain and suffering, funeral expenses, and emotional distress following a tragic or catastrophic accident.”

Attorneys provide compassionate guidance during difficult times, protecting rights and maximizing compensation.

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