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.
EASTABOGA, Ala. — A search for a missing Eastaboga boater ended Wednesday when rescuers recovered the body of 54-year-old Dedric L. Brown from Hillabee Reservoir in Calhoun County.
Brown was last seen around 7:30 a.m. Monday, September 7, on an aluminum jon boat on the reservoir. He was reported missing approximately four and a half hours later, around noon.
Alabama Law Enforcement Agency Chief Jeremy Burkett said multiple agencies immediately began search-and-rescue operations after Brown was reported missing.
The search continued until Wednesday afternoon, when a team with Christian Aid Ministries located Brown’s body at approximately 2:10 p.m.
Authorities said Brown was found approximately 26 feet beneath the surface of Hillabee Reservoir and within the area where the initial search had been concentrated.
Following the discovery, a dive team began recovery operations. Brown’s body was successfully recovered at approximately 2:38 p.m.
Officials have not released a cause of death or explained the circumstances that led to Brown’s disappearance. Those details remain under investigation.
The recovery effort involved numerous law-enforcement, fire, rescue and emergency-management agencies from across the region.
Participating agencies included the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office; Pell City Police Department/Dive Team; Clay County Rescue Squad; Cane Creek Fire Department; Oxford Police Department; Randolph County Rescue Squad; Etowah County Sheriff’s Office/Rescue Squad; Christian Aid Ministries; Calhoun County Emergency Management Agency; Alabama EMA; and ALEA’s Marine Patrol Division.
Authorities thanked the agencies and rescue personnel who participated in the search and recovery operation.
The investigation remains active as officials work to establish the circumstances surrounding Brown’s disappearance and death.