Maggie Samples and Phillip Hawkins die in fatal Searcy, Arkansas car crash

Maggie Samples and Phillip Hawkins die in fatal Searcy, Arkansas car crash

Fatal Searcy, Arkansas car crash death of Maggie Samples and Phillip Hawkins – Obituary

Maggie Samples, 21, a recent Harding University graduate, and Phillip Hawkins, 22, a rising senior at the same school, lost their lives in a tragic car accident on Saturday, sending waves of sorrow through the Searcy campus community. The engaged couple had bright futures and were deeply cherished by those who knew them.

Harding University Dean Jim Miller, who oversees the Honors College, spoke about the profound sadness felt across the university, describing the campus as a family where losing students is the hardest challenge they can face.

According to the Tennessee Highway Patrol, Samples was driving eastbound on I-40 near Dickson when she lost control of the vehicle and collided with a median. Both occupants were pronounced dead at the scene.

Phillip Hawkins was a cybersecurity major and a respected leader on campus, recently hired as a student analyst in Harding’s new digital forensics lab. Friends remembered him as a kind, approachable, and humorous person who was always ready to assist others.

Ben Evans, a senior and friend of Hawkins, said, “He was someone anyone could talk to. Everybody loved Phil. He contributed a lot to our club and helped many friends.”

Maggie Samples, known for her role as editor of The Bison, the university’s student newspaper, was also praised for her leadership and dedication. Evans recalled, “Maggie was a great friend who supported me through tough times. She was very kind, and many people felt the same.”

Dean Miller noted that the loss feels even more difficult because many students are away for summer break, making it harder for the community to come together in person to grieve and support each other.