Press Release for the industrial accident in McNeil, Arkansas

On the 11th day of April 2024, The Columbia County Sheriff’s Office responded to an industrial accident in McNeil, Arkansas. The accident took place 2 miles east of the Hwy 98 intersection in McNeil. Union Pacific work crews were repairing a washout area on the railroad tracks from the recent days of heavy rain. The Columbia County Sheriff’s Office is saddened to report that while working in the area, Danny Brent Wilkins, 43 of Rison Arkansas, was struck and killed by machinery. After emergency crews responded, Coroner Randy Reed pronounced Wilkins deceased. Because of the industrial accident, the body of Wilkins will be sent to the Arkansas State Crime Laboratory for examination.
Investigators from Union Pacific Railroad, The Arkansas State Police, and The Columbia County Sheriff’s Office will continue to investigate this accident.

Sheriff Leroy Martin
Columbia County Sheriff’s Office