Greene County Man Accused of Leaving Scene After Fatal Crash, Delaying Aid to Injured Passenger

GREENE COUNTY, Ark. — A Lafe man is facing felony charges after Arkansas State Police investigators say he left the scene of a crash involving a utility terrain vehicle (UTV), transporting a critically injured passenger instead of following emergency instructions, leading to delayed medical treatment before the man’s death.

According to a probable cause affidavit from Arkansas State Police, the investigation began after a fatal crash reported the evening of Aug. 9, 2025, on Clay County Road 2002.

Authorities said Nathan Summitt, 31, was operating a Can-Am Defender UTV eastbound with passenger Devon Young when the vehicle left the roadway, entered a ditch, then overcorrected and crossed into a second ditch. During the crash, Young was ejected from the vehicle.

Investigators said Summitt called 911 to report the crash and Young’s injuries. During that call, the operator instructed Summitt not to move Young and advised that emergency responders were on the way. However, according to the affidavit, Summitt ended the call, placed Young back into the UTV, and left the scene.

A second 911 call was later placed at approximately 11:47 p.m., requesting an ambulance to a residence on Highway 34 in Delaplaine. When emergency personnel arrived, Young was found in cardiac arrest. He was transported to Lawrence Memorial Hospital in Walnut Ridge, where he was pronounced dead on Aug. 10, 2025.

Following the incident, Summitt was arrested on suspicion of driving while intoxicated and refused to submit to a chemical test, authorities said.

A subsequent investigation by Arkansas State Police Criminal Investigation Division agents included multiple search warrants, forensic analysis, and witness interviews.

Agents later obtained a search warrant for Summitt’s blood alcohol concentration. Records show Summitt refused chemical testing after being read his rights. However, toxicology results later indicated Summitt had a blood alcohol concentration of 0.188%, along with the presence of THC.

Investigators also documented physical evidence at both the crash site and a secondary location along Highway 90, where Young was believed to have fallen from the UTV after the initial crash. Items recovered included debris, personal belongings, and vehicle components consistent with the incident.

A search of the UTV revealed damage to the windshield and cab, along with blood evidence inside the vehicle. Authorities also noted the glove box was missing.

Witnesses interviewed during the investigation reported that Summitt appeared intoxicated, that Young was severely injured and unresponsive, and that Summitt moved Young despite instructions not to do so. Medical witnesses described Young as being in critical condition and requiring CPR prior to the arrival of emergency responders.

Investigators also conducted forensic analysis of Young’s cellphone, which provided call logs and location data related to the incident. Additional records obtained from Verizon confirmed communication activity between Summitt, emergency services, and others during the timeframe.

According to the Arkansas State Crime Laboratory, Young’s cause of death was determined to be multiple blunt force injuries, primarily to the chest. His manner of death was ruled accidental.

Despite that classification, investigators concluded that Summitt operated the UTV while intoxicated, failed to remain at the scene, disregarded emergency instructions, and transported a critically injured passenger, delaying medical treatment.

Summitt is now charged with negligent homicide, a Class B felony, and leaving the scene of an accident, also a Class B felony. Summitt was later held in the Greene County Detention Center, according to records.

Court records show Judge Curtis Hitt set bond at $30,000 cash or surety under an agreement between the prosecution and defense. As conditions of release, Summitt is prohibited from using drugs or alcohol and must live a law-abiding life. The order was signed on March 11, 2026.

All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.