ROGERS, ARK. — A tragic incident on Interstate 49 has claimed the life of 19-year-old Hutton Mitchell, a former standout running back at Rogers High School and member of the Class of 2025. According to the Arkansas State Police, the teen died Friday evening after being struck by two vehicles on the interstate near Exit 82 in Benton County.
The Arkansas Department of Public Safety reported that Mitchell jumped from the Belleview Road overpass around 6:25 p.m., landing on the roof of a 2022 Ford Transit traveling southbound. After falling off the vehicle, he was struck by a 2020 Chevrolet Equinox in the center lane. It was raining at the time of the incident.
Emergency responders rushed to the scene, but Mitchell could not be saved. His death has left the Rogers community reeling, as tributes pour in from former classmates, teachers, teammates, and loved ones.
Mitchell, listed at 5’8″, was known in high school for his explosive speed and agility on the football field. A dynamic athlete with a strong work ethic, he earned the respect of coaches and peers alike. “Hutton was the kind of player who gave everything—on the field and in life,” one former coach said. “He had potential, drive, and heart.”
But behind the accolades and athleticism, Mitchell may have been facing personal challenges. Public records show that he was booked into the Benton County Jail on March 7, 2025, for Failure to Appear, related to Warrant F202500856. Details about the underlying case have not been released.
Friends and community members say they are choosing to remember the person they knew—a young man with big dreams, a generous spirit, and a bright future. “We don’t know everything about what Hutton was going through,” said one family friend. “But we do know he mattered deeply to so many. This is a heartbreaking loss.”
In the wake of the tragedy, the Rogers School District is offering grief counseling and mental health support to students, faculty, and families affected by the news. School officials emphasized the importance of talking openly about mental health and supporting those who may be struggling in silence.
“This is a devastating reminder of how critical it is to check in on one another,” the district said in a statement. “We are committed to providing resources for our students and staff in the days and weeks ahead.”
As state police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident, community members are encouraged to come together in compassion, reflection, and support.
If you or someone you know is in crisis, help is available 24/7 through the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988.