POINSETT COUNTY, Ark. — A heartbreaking tragedy in Rivervale has left a family and community in mourning after 30-year-old Treyonte Smith lost his life in a drowning incident, while his brother, Keltric Smith, was later arrested following a disruptive confrontation with first responders during recovery efforts.
The incident unfolded shortly after 6 p.m. on Thursday when the Poinsett County Sheriff’s Office 911 Communications Center received an urgent call reporting a possible drowning in the Rivervale area. What followed was a coordinated emergency response involving multiple agencies working against time and difficult conditions in an attempt to locate the missing man.
Deputies from the Poinsett County Sheriff’s Office were joined at the scene by members of the Poinsett County Search and Rescue team, as well as officers and firefighters from the Lepanto Fire Department and Lepanto Police Department. The large-scale response reflected the urgency and seriousness of the situation as search crews moved quickly to cover the water and surrounding area.
According to Chief Deputy Ryan Price, the Lepanto Fire Department deployed two boats to assist in the water search, carefully scanning the area where the man was last seen. At the same time, deputies utilized drone technology to help expand the search from above, providing aerial support to identify possible locations of the missing individual.
Despite the coordinated efforts of multiple agencies, the search ended in tragedy. Authorities confirmed that the body of 30-year-old Treyonte Smith was located in the water a short time later. Smith was pronounced dead at the scene, marking a devastating outcome for his family, friends, and the first responders involved in the recovery operation.
Officials stated that Smith’s body has been transported to the Arkansas State Crime Laboratory in Little Rock for a full examination. Investigators noted that the circumstances surrounding the drowning remain under review as they work to determine exactly what led to the fatal incident.
However, the situation took another disturbing turn as emergency crews were still working the scene. According to Chief Deputy Price, Treyonte Smith’s brother, Keltric Smith, became disruptive during the recovery operation. Authorities say he attempted to push past law enforcement personnel who were securing the area.
During the confrontation, Keltric Smith allegedly struck a deputy and caused damage to a first responder’s vehicle. The disturbance forced officers to intervene while continuing their efforts to manage the sensitive recovery scene.
Keltric Smith was subsequently arrested and taken into custody on suspicion of second-degree assault and second-degree criminal mischief. Officials confirmed that he is being held as the investigation continues into both the drowning and the events that unfolded during the emergency response.
As the investigation moves forward, authorities have not released additional details regarding the circumstances leading up to the drowning. The Poinsett County Sheriff’s Office emphasized that the case remains active and ongoing.
What began as a desperate search for a missing man ended in an unimaginable loss, leaving behind unanswered questions and a grieving family now facing both tragedy and legal turmoil within the same heartbreaking moment.
