Tragedy on Interstate 555: Rodney and Charlotte Laster Identified as Victims in Fatal Jonesboro Crash
JONESBORO, AR — The community of Trumann and the greater Jonesboro area are mourning the loss of two lives tragically cut short in a devastating accident on Interstate 555 Tuesday afternoon, June 24, 2025. The Arkansas State Police (ASP) have confirmed the identities of the victims as Rodney D. Laster, Sr. and Charlotte Laster, both residents of Trumann.
According to the official crash report released by ASP, the fatal incident occurred shortly after 1:30 p.m., when Rodney Laster was driving a 2013 Dodge Challenger northbound on I-555. For reasons not yet fully understood, the vehicle veered off the roadway and struck a tree with significant force. Charlotte Laster, who was in the passenger seat at the time, was also fatally injured in the crash. Both victims were pronounced dead at the scene.
Emergency responders from Jonesboro Police, Fire Department, and EMS were quickly dispatched to the site, located between Dan Avenue and Washington Avenue, in the northbound lanes of I-555. The severity of the crash prompted immediate closure of that section of the interstate to allow for emergency operations and a thorough investigation. The road was reopened to traffic at approximately 3:57 p.m., with IDriveArkansas confirming clear lanes as of 4:00 p.m.
Ronnie Sturch, director of the E-911 Center, confirmed that two vehicles were involved, though the circumstances surrounding the second vehicle’s involvement remain under investigation. The crash site was active for several hours, with police advising motorists to avoid the area, expect delays, and yield to all emergency vehicles and personnel.
According to the Arkansas State Police, weather conditions were clear, and the road surface was dry at the time of the collision, eliminating environmental factors as a likely cause. Investigators are now working to determine what may have caused the Dodge Challenger to leave the roadway—a question that remains unanswered as the community awaits further details.
Sally Smith, public information officer for the Jonesboro Police Department, confirmed the deaths of the Lasters and noted that Arkansas State Police will continue to lead the investigation into the circumstances of the crash. No other injuries were reported from the second vehicle.
The sudden loss of Rodney and Charlotte Laster has deeply shaken those who knew them. Described by neighbors as kind, devoted, and community-oriented, the couple shared a quiet life in Trumann. Rodney was known as a hardworking man who cared deeply for his family, while Charlotte was remembered as warm-hearted and gracious, always offering help to those in need. Their untimely deaths have left a profound void in the lives of friends, family, and community members.
Local leaders and residents have taken to social media to express their condolences and share memories of the couple, offering prayers and support to their grieving loved ones. As the investigation into the crash continues, the community holds on to the memory of two lives tragically lost on an otherwise ordinary Tuesday afternoon.
The Arkansas State Police have not released additional details at this time but urge anyone with information or who may have witnessed the crash to come forward.
Funeral arrangements for Rodney and Charlotte Laster are pending and will be announced by the family in the coming days.
In Loving Memory of Rodney D. Laster, Sr. and Charlotte Laster
“Gone from our sight, but never from our hearts.”
