Paramedic killed when car hits ambulance head-on, police say

LAKE CITY, Ark. (KAIT/Gray News) - Two people, including a paramedic, died Friday in a head-on collision involving an ambulance that was transporting a passenger, Arkansas State Police said.

The crash happened at 10:26 a.m. Friday on State Highway 18 at the intersection of Highway 158 in Lake City.

According to the preliminary fatal crash report, 67-year-old Janet Chapman of Blytheville, Arkansas, was eastbound when her 2024 Nissan Sentra crossed the center lane and began traveling in the inside westbound lane.

The state police said Chapman’s car collided head-on with a westbound 2018 Ford E-350 ambulance driven by 54-year-old Cheri Gibson of Paragould, Arkansas.

Chapman and Gibson’s husband, Mark, who was a paramedic on board the ambulance, died in the crash.

Cheri Gibson, who is an EMT, and the ambulance’s passenger, 72-year-old Phyllis Moore of Manila, Arkansas, were injured in the crash.

Emerson Ambulance Service confirmed Friday afternoon that one of their vehicles was involved in the crash.

“We just ask that you keep the crew that was involved in your thoughts and prayers,” the company said in a news release.

The West Memphis Fire Department, where Gibson served the community for nearly 30 years, also asked for prayers for Cheri Gibson and the couple’s extended family.

“Keep Cheri in your thoughts and prayers as she recovers from her serious injuries and begins her path of healing, the Gibson extended family as they work through their grief, and the family of the other victims of today’s tragedy as they, too, process their grief,” the fire department said.

In a show of respect for his years of dedication and service, the West Memphis Fire Department led a sea of red and blue lights escorting Gibson’s body to Emerson Funeral Home in Jonesboro, Arkansas, on Sunday.

Many departments and dozens of community members lined up to show their love, support and respect.