Community mourns death of teen in fatal crash

LAMAR — Ashlynn Barnes, 16, a member of the Lamar Lady Warriors basketball team, was killed in a single-car accident last Tuesday night.

The accident occurred around 8:50 p.m. on State Highway 164 between Lamar and Clarksville, approximately a little over an hour after the Lady Warriors had defeated Mayflower in a game played at the high school gymnasium.

According to the Arkansas State Police report, Barnes was traveling westbound on State Highway 164 when she veered into the eastbound lane. Barnes then swerved to the right and lost control of her vehicle, causing it to overturn and travel off the roadway. Barnes was transported to Johnson County Regional Medical Center where she succumbed to her injuries.

Barnes was born April 14, 2006 in Russellville to Brandon Barnes and Chelsa (Duff) Barnes.

Not only was Barnes a member of the Lady Warriors basketball team, she was on the bowling team and ran track. She was also selected to be one of the maids on the homecoming court.

“She was quiet but had her own unique personality,” Lamar head girls’ basketball coach Brandon Schluterman said. “Easy to joke with. She wasn’t the most outgoing person to everyone, but with her group of friends her personality was great. She was a good student and a great kid. No problems with anything.”

According to Schluterman, Barnes was just driving home after the Lamar girls had defeated Mayflower when the accident occurred.

“Her home is maybe 10 minutes from the gym,” Schluterman said. “From my understanding, the accident happened just a short

See STATE, page A15