by Witcherville, Arkansas — A tragic head-on collision in western Arkansas claimed the life of a 23-year-old man and left a high school basketball coach and two teenage players — including his daughter — injured, according to authorities and local officials.
The crash occurred on the evening of Tuesday, Dec. 30, along U.S. Highway 71, a roadway frequently traveled by local residents and school athletic teams.
What led to the deadly collision
According to reports from regional media outlets, Dylan Wagoner, 23, was driving a 2001 GMC southbound when he attempted to pass other vehicles and entered the northbound lane.
At the same time, Jeremy Schopper, a basketball coach with the Greenland School District, was driving a 2015 Dodge northbound and was unable to avoid the oncoming vehicle.
The two vehicles collided head-on in Witcherville, causing catastrophic damage.
One driver killed, others rushed to hospitals
Following the impact, Schopper’s vehicle veered into a ditch. He and the two 16-year-old passengers were transported to area hospitals for treatment.
Wagoner’s vehicle reportedly rolled, and he was ejected during the crash.
The Sebastian County Coroner’s Office later confirmed that Wagoner died from blunt force trauma sustained in the collision.
An investigation into the crash remains ongoing.
Coach identified as school educator and athlete mentor
Community members and school officials identified Schopper as both a teacher and basketball coach in the Greenland School District.
The district’s athletic director confirmed his role, while another spokesperson clarified that Schopper served as a boys’ assistant basketball coach.
Local leaders emphasized that Schopper was not alone at the time of the crash.
Returning from a game when crash occurred
Jim Renfrow, mayor of Greenland, confirmed that Schopper was driving home with his daughter and another student-athlete after attending a girls basketball game in Mansfield.
“The girls basketball team was on the bus right behind the cars involved and was unfortunately witness to the accident as well as the attempted life-saving events for all parties involved,” Renfrow said.
The revelation added another layer of trauma for the student-athletes who saw the aftermath unfold.
Students released, coach remains hospitalized
According to Mayor Renfrow, the two teenage passengers suffered minor injuries, were treated at a hospital, and later released.
Schopper’s injuries were more serious. He was initially taken to a regional medical center and later transferred to a hospital in Little Rock for continued care.
No updated condition report has been released, but community members continue to express concern and support.
School district thanks first responders
In a statement shared publicly, the Greenland School District expressed gratitude to emergency crews and the broader community.
“Please continue to keep all impacted by this in your thoughts and prayers,” the district said. “We are thankful for our community and the outpouring of support thus far.”
The district acknowledged the emotional toll the incident has taken on students, staff, and families.
Community steps in to help family
In a separate announcement, the school district confirmed that a donation account has been established at a local bank to help offset medical expenses for the Schopper family.
Community leaders described the response as swift and heartfelt, reflecting how deeply the coach and his family are connected to the district.
Investigation continues
Authorities have not released additional details regarding contributing factors, speed, or impairment. Law enforcement officials say the crash remains under investigation as they reconstruct the sequence of events.
For the small communities connected to the school district, the loss of a young life and the injuries to trusted educators and students have left a lasting impact.
Fatal crashes involving school staff and students raise serious questions about road safety, passing behavior, and post-game travel risks. What are your thoughts on how communities can better protect student-athletes and educators during travel? Share your views in the comments and join the conversation.
