Two Children Lost in Deadly Hwy 161 Crash Near Springfield Friday Night
UPDATED…..
UPDATE: Lukas Mansfield’s bond set at $1.55 million: $750,000 each for two homicide charges and $50,000 for DUI 3rd.
UPDATE: A GoFundMe page, authenticated by Smokey Barn News, has been set up to help the family with burial expenses. CLICK HERE
ROBERTSON COUNTY, TENNESSEE (Smokey Barn News) – According to officials in Robertson County, two children have died following a single-vehicle rollover crash just outside Springfield Friday evening. The crash occurred in the 4700 block of Highway 161, the first call coming into 911 at 7:22 PM. LOCATION OF CRASH
UPDATE: The Tennessee Highway Patrol is now releasing more information about the crash. According to the THP preliminary report obtained by Smokey Barn News, the driver of the vehicle, now identified as 36-year-old Lukas Mansfield, was taken into custody at the scene and charged with two counts of vehicular homicide and driving under the influence (third offense).
The report indicates that the vehicle, a 2022 RAM 1500 pickup truck, was traveling west on Highway 161 when it veered off the roadway, struck a culvert, and became airborne. The vehicle then collided with a utility pole, causing significant structural damage. Both children, a 7-year-old female and a 4-year-old male, were passengers in the vehicle and sustained fatal injuries. Mansfield was not injured.
Mansfield was arrested at the scene and charged with two counts of aggravated vehicular homicide and one count of driving under the influence (third offense). His bond was set at $10,000 for the DUI charge, while no bond has been set for the homicide charges.
This is not Mr Mansfield’s first arrest for DUI. The above photo is from a previous arrest. The mugshot above initially appeared after Mansfield was booked but it was from a previous arrest. His current photo (in the jumpsuit) was later updated after he was booked.
Based on his direction of travel from Mr Mansfield was on his way home. He was less than 2 miles from home when the crash occurred.
Smokey Barn News has learned that both children attended South Haven Christian School in Springfield. The school released the following statement regarding the passing of 4-year-old Jackson and 7-year-old Miah.
“It is with profound sadness and heavy hearts that we write to inform you of a tragic event that has deeply affected our school family. Yesterday evening, we lost two of our own, Miah Mansfield and her younger brother Jackson, two of our beloved students, who passed away following a tragic accident. Our hearts break for the family, and we ask for your prayers for the family during this incredibly difficult time.
“In times like this, we are reminded of God’s great love and faithfulness, even when we face overwhelming grief. While we cannot fully understand the reasons behind such heartbreaking events, we can take comfort as the Scripture reminds us in 2 Corinthians 1:3-4, “Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort. Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.”
“Miah and Jackson were cherished members of SHCS, and their absence will be felt by all who knew them. We invite you to join us in lifting up their family in prayer, asking for peace, comfort, and strength in this time of sorrow.
“We recognize that this news may raise difficult emotions and questions for students. We encourage you to talk to your child about this loss in an age-appropriate way. Our school and church counselors are here to assist in any way we can as you walk through this challenging moment with your child.
“Our faith in God helps us trust that, though we mourn, we are never without hope. May we all hold onto this truth as we navigate the days ahead.”
In Christ’s love,
Dr. Steve Blaser
A GoFundMe page, authenticated by Smokey Barn News, has been set up to help the family with burial expenses. CLICK HERE
Smokey Barn News will continue to follow this story as more details become available.
REPORTED EARLIER:
The Robertson County Emergency Communications Center (911) was first alerted of the crash through automatic crash detection technology, followed by multiple calls from witnesses. Emergency responders, including Robertson County EMS and other agencies, arrived as quickly despite hazardous road conditions caused by the winter storm.
According to Robertson County EMS Director Brent Dyer, “An adult male was assessed and refused medical attention, and did not require EMS transport. Two other occupants, both children, were sadly found to have sustained fatal injuries. Both children were pronounced deceased at the scene.”
The Tennessee Highway Patrol is leading the investigation and the area remains active so motorists are advised to avoid the area and exercise caution if you are out on our slick roads this evening.
The City of Greenbrier reached out to Smokey Barn News with the following message to the family;
“The City of Greenbrier, along with its various departments and the Board of the Mayor and Aldermen, is deeply saddened by the tragic loss of Miah and Jackson Mansfield. Our thoughts and prayers are with their family and friends during this incredibly difficult time.
“We are also keeping the emergency personnel, first responders, and all those involved in our prayers.
“Words cannot fully express the sorrow we feel for this heartbreaking event, which has profoundly impacted so many in the Robertson County community.” Sincerely, The City of Greenbrier
This marks the second deadly crash to occur in the Robertson County area on Friday. Earlier this morning, two vehicles collided head-on on I-24, resulting in the loss of two lives. The Tennessee Highway Patrol is again leading that investigation. For more information, [click here].
