Little Rock, AR – A Children’s Hospital respiratory therapist was killed in a fatal DUI crash on Sunday, September 8, after a man allegedly driving under the influence struck her vehicle in South Pulaski County.
Jennifer Ann Morton, 48, of Little Rock, worked in the Infant Toddler Unit at Arkansas Children’s Hospital. She died when Maynor Yair Sorto-Herrera, 30, allegedly crossed into the northbound lane, hitting Morton’s Honda CRV head-on. The accident occurred around 5:44 a.m. near 10800 Arch Street.
According to Arkansas State Police, Herrera, an undocumented resident from Honduras, was arrested after walking away from the crash scene. He faces charges of negligent homicide, DUI, reckless driving, and multiple traffic violations. Herrera had previously been deported in 2018 but returned to the U.S. under unknown circumstances.
Morton’s colleagues and law enforcement mourn her loss. “Jennifer devoted her life to compassionate care of children,” said ASP Colonel Mike Hagar, expressing the department’s condolences to Morton’s family and vowing to ensure justice. “I know our Troopers want to honor her memory by doing their part to make sure this man is held responsible for her death.”
Herrera is being held at the Pulaski County Detention Center and will be transferred to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement following his trial.
