Autopsy results have been released in the death earlier this month of a racer participating in an event at the Bobby Humes Memorial Speedway in Black Rock on May 9th.
According to Chief Bryan Archer of the Black Rock Police Department, Eric Smith age 40 of Trumann suffered a medical event while on track causing him to lose control of his cart and strike the fencing. Chief Archer stated the medical examiner found no critical wounds consistent with the crash and ruled the cause of death as natural causes.
The incident occurred in May 9th at the Bobby Humes Memorial Speedway in Black Rock. Witnesses stated Smith’s cart left the track, struck a fence and reentered the track before getting stuck in some mud off track.
Track officials immediately rushed to Smith who was not breathing. CPR was immediately started on the victim. BRPD on scene called for an ambulance and 1st responders from the Black Rock Volunteer Fire Department. An AED (Automated External Defibrillator) was also used on the victim, MedicOne Ambulance transported Mr. Smith to Lawrence Memorial Hospital escorted by Black Rock Police.
Mr. Smith was pronounced deceased at LMH. Mr. Smith’s body was sent to the State Crime Lab in Little Rock for autopsy.
Eric Smith Obituary
Mr. Eric Lee Smith of Trumann, departed this life on Friday, May 9, 2025 at Lawrence Memorial Hospital in Walnut Ridge, AR at the age of 40 years, 6 months and 18 days. Eric was born Sunday, October 21, 1984 in Jonesboro, AR. He was a lifetime resident of Trumann and a supervisor with Ryder Trucking Company. He loved go-cart racing and casino gambling. He was preceded in death by his step dad, Mike Crittendon; grandparents, Irma Dean Smith, Charles E. Smith, Peggy Owens and Lester Bradford. He is survived by his wife, Stacy Carter Smith of the home; two daughters, Erica Smith and Jayda Smith; his father, Kevin Smith of Trumann; his mother, Tina Bradford Crittendon of Trumann; one sister, Tyler Lancaster of Trumann; and two brothers, Aaron Crittendon of Kansas City, MO and Michael Crittendon of Branson, MO. The family will receive friends Sunday, May 18th from 3:00 til 5:00 p.m. at Thompson Funeral Home in Trumann. A Celebration of Life will be Monday, May 19th at 1:30 p.m. with Ralph Guthrie officiating. Burial will follow in Pine Hill Cemetery in Jonesboro, AR. Pallbearers are: Matt Mabe, Jeff Thomas, Shawn Brooks, David Brooks, Chanley Purttman, Gary Stout, Ayden Vick and Garren Ward. Honorary pallbearers are: Nathan “Bubba” Carter Kevin Smith and James Evans. An online register book can be signed at www.thompsonfuneralhome.net