Update: New Information on Freeway Crash That Killed LR Pastor, Grandchild and Another Child
By: KARK 4 News
Updated: January 3, 2013
New details have been released by the Arkansas State Police (ASP) about a New Year's night accident that killed three people in Southwest Little Rock, including a local church pastor and his granddaughter.
According to the ASP, the four-car accident in the westbound lanes had two separate scenes and one of the vehicles was involved in both crashes.
The first crash involved a 2000 Toyota (driven by Jessica Stokes, who was not injured), a 2002 Ford (driven by Robert Cecola, who was not injured), and a 1999 Chevrolet (driven by Kareame Cotton, 37, of North Little Rock, who was not injured).
That crash killed a two-month-old baby boy (Robert Cecola, Jr.) and injured Kareame Cotton, Jr., 10, of North Little Rock, and Keith Cotton, 42, of Little Rock.
The second crash involved the Chevrolet noted above and another 2000 Toyota (driven by Paul Harris, 42, of Little Rock).
Killed in that crash was, David Harris, 62, pastor of a Little Rock church, and his 10-year-old granddaughter Maci Harris. Paul Harris was also injured, along with another passenger in his car, Kaleb Harris, 10.
Kareame Cotton, driver of the Chevrolet noted above, was also listed as injured in the second crash, but not the first.
There is no information on the conditions of the injured.
Information about the cause of the accident and any citations given to drivers has not yet been released because the investigation is not complete.
Original story (January 2):
The pastor of a Little Rock church and one of his grandchildren has died in a freeway accident on New Year's night.
Oak Park Baptist Church issued the following news release this afternoon about the death of David Harris:
David Harris, senior pastor at Oak Park Baptist Church, and other family members were involved in a multi-auto accident last night.
The accident occurred at approximately 8:30 p.m. on Interstate 30 near Scott Hamilton Drive. An investigation into the accident is ongoing by the Arkansas State Police.
Harris, 64, and his granddaughter have gone to be with the Lord due to complications of the auto accident. Other family members are being treated at this time in local hospitals.
Harris served as the senior pastor of Oak Park Baptist Church, located at 8200 Flintridge Road, for more than thirty-five years and was loved by all who knew him. Countless people were lead to be saved through his ministry. The church has requested prayers for both Harris' family and the Oak Park Baptist church community during this time.


