In Loving Memory: Honoring the Lives of Hannah Ford and Megan Herrold, Beloved ARCOM Students
It is with the deepest sorrow and heaviest hearts that we share the devastating news of the passing of two remarkable individuals, Hannah Ford and Megan Herrold, both cherished members of the Arkansas College of Osteopathic Medicine (ARCOM) Class of 2026. The two students tragically lost their lives in a car accident on the morning of Saturday, July 26, 2025. Their sudden and untimely deaths have left a profound void within the ARCOM and Arkansas Colleges of Health Education (ACHE) communities.
Hannah and Megan were more than aspiring physicians—they were bright, compassionate, and inspiring young women who embodied the very essence of what it means to serve and heal. Known for their dedication to their studies, their kindness to peers, and their unwavering commitment to becoming outstanding physicians, both women stood as shining examples of empathy, intellect, and humanity. Their presence brought light, warmth, and joy to every classroom, lab, and hallway they walked through.
The outpouring of grief has been palpable across campus, with students, faculty, and staff expressing a deep collective sorrow. As ARCOM President and CEO Dr. Kyle D. Parker stated in a heartfelt message to the community:
“We are heartbroken to lose two members of our cherished ARCOM family. Hannah and Megan were deeply respected and loved within our campus community. Their passion for helping others will not be forgotten. We grieve together and hold their families and classmates in our hearts.”
Hannah Ford, remembered by professors as inquisitive and motivated, possessed a quiet strength that inspired her peers. Her friends recall a gentle soul with a radiant smile, someone always willing to lend a hand or a listening ear. She had a special passion for rural healthcare and hoped to serve communities in need, bringing compassionate, patient-centered care to underserved populations.
Megan Herrold, known for her vibrant personality and kind spirit, was often the first to offer words of encouragement or share a laugh during long study sessions. Her leadership and drive left a mark not only in her academic achievements but in the hearts of those around her. Megan’s dream was to specialize in pediatrics, dedicating her life to caring for children and families.
The loss of these two future doctors—so full of promise and purpose—has reverberated far beyond the walls of ARCOM. Classmates describe them as sisters in spirit, united in their goals and driven by a shared passion for healing. Their journey through medical school was one of resilience, friendship, and shared growth. That journey, tragically cut short, leaves behind a legacy of love, excellence, and selflessness that will continue to inspire generations to come.
In this time of profound sorrow, the ACHE administration has ensured that mental health resources and grief support services are available to all students, staff, and faculty members. Information on how to access these services has been shared directly with the community.
Plans are underway for memorial services and opportunities for remembrance, both on campus and in the broader ARCOM community. These moments of gathering and reflection will offer a chance to celebrate the lives of Hannah and Megan, to share memories, and to lean on one another for strength and healing. Further details will be shared as they become available.
As we mourn this immeasurable loss, let us remember Hannah Ford and Megan Herrold not only for the heartbreaking way they were taken from us but for the incredible impact they made in the time they were with us. Let us honor their legacy by living each day with the compassion, purpose, and dedication they so beautifully embodied.
To the families, friends, and loved ones of Hannah and Megan—please accept our deepest condolences. We walk beside you in this grief, holding you in our hearts and lifting you up in thought and prayer. May you find solace in the love surrounding you and in the memory of two lives that, while tragically brief, were profoundly meaningful.
May Hannah and Megan rest in eternal peace, and may their dreams live on in the work and hearts of all who follow in their footsteps.