Fatal crash south of Gainesville


Michael “Micky” Clark and family dog Washdae

A Flippin, Arkansas, man died Monday night due to injuries suffered in a head-on crash on Highway 5, six miles south of Gainesville. The Missouri State Highway Patrol online crash report said Michael R. Clark, 59, was transported by ambulance to Baxter Regional Medical Center in Mountain Home, Arkansas, where he was pronounced dead at 5:11 p.m. According to the report, the accident occurred at 3:50 p.m. when a 1996 Chevrolet Silverado, the white truck pictured above, driven southbound by Patricia L. Hobbs, 68, of Jordan, Arkansas, crossed the center of the roadway and struck head-on a gray 2005 Toyota Tundra driven northbound by Clark. Hobbs was also transported to BRMC with what the report describes as serious injuries. Her condition is not known. Hobbs was wearing a seat belt, according to the report; Clark was not. Both vehicles were totaled. This is the fourth fatality in MSHP’s Troop G in 2020 compared with two at this time last year. The crash was investigated and the report was written by MSHP Trooper D. L. Nash with the assistance of MSHP Sgt. L. S. Elliott, Cpl. J. R. Roberts and Trooper J. M. Kenyon. An Ozark County Sheriff’s Department dispatcher said the road was reopened at 6:35 p.m. An MSHP accident reconstruction team worked until that time, officials say.

The fatality victim, Michael Clark, known as “Micky” to friends and family, had his family’s beloved dog Washdae with him at the time of the crash. Officers on scene tried to catch Washdae, but he ran away and headed south toward the Arkansas state line. Micky’s fiancee, Debbie Baize, told the Times Tuesday she’s owned Washdae for nine years, since he was a puppy. “He’s the rock that got me through the death of my husband five years ago,” she said. Washdae is black and brown with four white paws and a white chest. He is neutered and up-to-date on all shots. Baize said he is scared, so she suggests that people avoid trying to pick him up or grabbing for his collar. Instead, she asks that residents call her at 1-870-209-1705, and she’ll have a neighbor pick him up. 

Ozark County Times

504 Third Steet
PO Box 188
Gainesville, MO 65655

Phone: (417) 679-4641
Fax: (417) 679-3423