Local News
Bryce McClain and Megan McClain Killed in Motorcycle Crash on U.S. Highway 412 Near Littrell Road in Tontitown
BENTON COUNTY, Ark. — A husband and wife from Tontitown were killed Saturday afternoon after the motorcycle they were riding left the roadway and struck a cable barrier along U.S. Highway 412, according to the Arkansas State Police.
The victims were identified as 49-year-old Bryce McClain and 40-year-old Megan McClain, both residents of Tontitown.
According to a preliminary crash report, the fatal collision occurred at approximately 2:40 p.m. on U.S. Highway 412 near Littrell Road.
Investigators said Bryce McClain was operating a 2014 Harley-Davidson motorcycle eastbound when, for reasons that remain under investigation, the motorcycle departed the roadway and collided with a cable barrier.
Authorities reported that no other vehicles were involved in the crash.
Emergency responders arrived at the scene and pronounced both Bryce and Megan McClain dead from injuries sustained in the collision.
The Arkansas State Police stated that weather conditions were clear and the roadway was dry at the time of the crash, eliminating adverse weather as an apparent factor in the incident.
Trooper Noah Fricke conducted the on-scene investigation and is leading the ongoing review into the circumstances surrounding the fatal crash.
Following the incident, the bodies of Bryce and Megan McClain were transported to the Benton County Coroner’s Office.
Authorities confirmed that family members and next of kin have been notified.
Investigators have not released additional information regarding potential contributing factors, including whether speed, roadway conditions, or mechanical issues may have played a role in the crash. Those details are expected to be determined as the investigation progresses.
The tragic loss of the McClains has left family members, friends, and the Tontitown community mourning the deaths of the couple.
The crash remains under investigation by the Arkansas State Police.
Local News
29-Year-Old Alex Rodriguez Found Dead on University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign, No Foul Play Suspected
URBANA, Ill. — A 29-year-old Champaign man found dead on the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus Monday morning has been identified as Alex C. Rodriguez, according to the Champaign County Coroner’s Office.
The University of Illinois Police Department (UIPD) responded to the area of Green and Wright streets at approximately 6:42 a.m. after receiving a report of an unresponsive person near the Alma Mater statue.
Officers arrived and found Rodriguez on a concrete bench. Emergency medical assistance was requested at the scene.
The Champaign County Coroner’s Office responded, and Rodriguez was pronounced dead at approximately 7:16 a.m., according to Coroner Laurie Brauer.
Authorities said Rodriguez was not affiliated with the University of Illinois.
UIPD provided an update Monday afternoon, saying preliminary observations at the scene revealed no signs of foul play.
Police also said there was no evidence of an ongoing threat to the university campus or surrounding community based on the information available when officers responded.
Because investigators did not identify an active threat, the university did not issue an Illini-Alert emergency notification.
The circumstances surrounding Rodriguez’s death have not been determined.
An autopsy has been scheduled, and the death remains under investigation by the University of Illinois Police Department.
Authorities have not released additional information about the circumstances leading to Rodriguez’s death.
The investigation remains ongoing, and additional details are expected as investigators receive further information from the autopsy and other evidence.
No foul play has been indicated based on the preliminary investigation.