(3-17-22) Jessica Cruz, 37, of Portland, Ind., was killed and two men were injured in the wreck (3-12-22) of a single vehicle off US 67 in rural Clay County early Saturday, according to a preliminary report from the Arkansas State Police.

Cruz was a passenger on a 2008 Dodge Avenger that headed north on US 67 near Corning at approximately 3 p.m.

The car, driven by Jose Morales (23) of Portland, turned to the left, crossing both northbound and southbound lanes before leaving the road and entering a water-filled ditch, eventually leading to Clay County It collided with a metal culvert near Road 1412.

Cruz died in the crash, and Morales was injured, as was another passenger, Jose Nequis (32) whose place of residence was not known.

The injured were taken to Regional One Health Medical Center in Memphis and St. Bernard’s Medical Center in Jonesboro for treatment.

Police officials said he weather was clear and the road was wet at the time of the wreck.

Obituary

        Jessica Ashely Kincaid Cruz, age 37, a resident of Portland, passed away on Saturday, March 12, 2022 from injuries sustained in a car crash in Clay County, Arkansas. 

        Jessica was born on July 30, 1984, in Richmond, Indiana, the daughter of Regina Kincaid Doolin and Jack “Jackie” Rader. 

        Jessica was a tender heart; she loved many and was loved by many. 

            Survivors include:

            Her children:  Dalton Rodriguez – Portland, Indiana

                                    Diana and Regina Rodriguez – Camden, Ohio

            God-daughter:  Isabella Behena – Union City, Ohio

            4 sisters:  Casey Doolin and Ashely Bouley  – Richmond, Indiana

                             Alisha Alvey – Greenville, Ohio

                             Kerralynne Rader – Camden, Ohio

            Step-sisters:  Jennifer Alvey – Bethel, Indiana

                                 Tiffany Alvey  – Middletown, Ohio

            1 brother:  Levi Rader – Eaton, Ohio

            God Mother and Grandmother:  Diana and Nina Clark – Richmond, Indiana

            Step-father:  Bill Doolin – New Westfield, Ohio

            Grandparents:  Allen Winters – Lewisburg, Ohio

                                    Kathryn and Jack Rader – Eaton, Ohio

            Several aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

            She was preceded in death by her parents, Regina Kincaid Doolin and Jack “Jackie” Rader.

            Services to celebrate Jessica’s life will be held at a later date.