LOGAN COUNTY, AR — Tragedy and Accountability in Fatal Crash That Killed Two Sisters
A heartbreaking crash that claimed the lives of two sisters from Scranton, Arkansas, has led to two arrests as state investigators continue to uncover the devastating details of a tragedy that has rocked the Logan County community.
On May 30, 2025, Mackenzie and Maddie Arthur, two young women with their entire futures ahead of them, were killed in a catastrophic car accident when their vehicle was pushed into oncoming traffic and collided with a semi-truck. Authorities now say the crash was caused by a 16-year-old driver traveling at more than 150 miles per hour, who did not possess a driver’s license.
Crash Details
According to the Arkansas State Police (ASP), the two sisters were driving along a rural highway when a car traveling behind them — driven by the teen — made contact with their vehicle, pushing it across the centerline. Tragically, their vehicle was struck by a semi-truck approaching from the opposite direction. Both sisters died at the scene.
The sheer violence of the collision and the shocking speed at which the teenage driver was traveling has left the community reeling and searching for answers.
Arrests and Charges
On June 5, ASP announced that the 16-year-old boy believed to be responsible for causing the deadly crash had been arrested. The boy, whose name has not been released due to his age, was taken into custody and transported to the Yell County Juvenile Detention Center. He faces two counts of manslaughter, a grave charge that reflects the preventable nature of this tragedy.
In a significant development, 71-year-old Martha Phillips was also arrested on June 4 and charged with two counts of manslaughter for providing the vehicle to the underage driver. Investigators say Phillips knowingly gave the car to the teen despite his not having a valid driver’s license, directly enabling the sequence of events that led to the deadly crash.
She is currently being held at the Logan County Jail.
Remembering Mackenzie and Maddie Arthur
The deaths of Mackenzie and Maddie Arthur have left a deep scar on the hearts of their loved ones and the greater Scranton community.
- Mackenzie Arthur was a student at Arkansas Tech University, known for her compassion, ambition, and devotion to her studies. She was pursuing her dreams and had plans to contribute meaningfully to her field and her community.
- Maddie Arthur, her younger sister, was preparing to enter her senior year at Scranton High School. Described as bright, cheerful, and full of promise, Maddie was involved in school activities and looked forward to graduation and college.
The sisters shared a special bond — inseparable in life, and tragically, together in death. Their loss is being mourned not just by family and friends but by classmates, teachers, and neighbors who remember them for their warmth, joy, and potential.
A Community in Mourning — and Seeking Justice
The case has stirred deep emotion in Logan County, with many expressing grief, outrage, and calls for accountability. The fact that the crash was not simply an accident, but a result of reckless driving and poor adult judgment, has made the loss even harder to process.
“This never should have happened,” said one local resident. “Two lives are gone because a teen was given a car he should never have been driving — and someone needs to answer for that.”
The case is likely to raise broader questions around juvenile responsibility, adult supervision, and vehicle access laws in Arkansas.
What’s Next
The investigation into the fatal crash remains active and ongoing. Authorities are examining all aspects of the incident, from mechanical evidence and road conditions to eyewitness accounts and electronic data from the vehicles involved.
The 16-year-old suspect will face juvenile court proceedings, though prosecutors may petition to try him as an adult depending on legal guidelines and community response. Martha Phillips is expected to face arraignment in Logan County in the coming days.
In Memory of Mackenzie and Maddie
A joint memorial service for the Arthur sisters is being planned, with details to be shared by the family soon. In lieu of flowers, the family has asked for donations to be made to local scholarships in honor of Mackenzie’s and Maddie’s academic ambitions.
As Logan County grieves, the story of Mackenzie and Maddie Arthur will not be forgotten — two vibrant young lives cut short, a family shattered, and a community determined to see justice served.
If you or someone you know is struggling with grief or the aftermath of a traumatic event, help is available. Reach out to local mental health services or call the National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357) for 24/7 confidential support.