Hot Springs Mourns the Tragic Loss of Paula Deist, 77, Following Fatal Head-On Collision on Highway 7
HOT SPRINGS, AR — A profound sense of sorrow has settled over the community of Hot Springs following the heartbreaking loss of Paula Deist, a cherished resident whose life was tragically cut short on Saturday, June 15, 2025. The 77-year-old woman was fatally injured in a devastating head-on collision that occurred along a stretch of State Highway 7, a road she had likely traveled countless times before.
According to the Arkansas State Police, the fatal crash occurred during the afternoon hours and involved two vehicles. Emergency responders arrived swiftly on the scene, but despite their efforts, Paula Deist was pronounced deceased due to the severity of her injuries. The circumstances surrounding the collision remain under investigation, and officials are working to determine the contributing factors that led to the accident.
For many in Hot Springs, the news of Paula’s passing has been met with disbelief and heartache. Known for her warmth, wisdom, and deep-rooted presence in the community, Paula leaves behind a legacy that stretches far beyond the headlines of this tragic event.
Those closest to her describe Paula as a woman of immense strength and grace, someone who carried a gentle spirit yet lived with unwavering conviction. A devoted mother, grandmother, neighbor, and friend, Paula was often seen as a guiding light—a calm, steady presence in the lives of those she touched.
“She was the kind of person who remembered your birthday, who brought over soup when you were sick, and who always had time to listen,” said longtime neighbor and friend, Linda Chambers. “Paula had a way of making you feel seen and valued, and that’s something this world needs more of.”
Paula was also an active member of her church and a passionate supporter of local civic causes. Over the years, she volunteered with several organizations, including Meals on Wheels and the local senior center, where she was known for her kindness and unwavering dedication. Whether she was organizing food drives, mentoring young volunteers, or simply offering a kind word to someone in need, Paula led by quiet example.
Her sudden and untimely passing has left a deep void—not just in the hearts of her family, but also in the fabric of the Hot Springs community. Friends, neighbors, and local leaders have expressed their condolences, many taking to social media to share stories and photos that celebrate Paula’s life and the gentle joy she brought into the world.
“She loved the simple things,” recalled her granddaughter, Emily. “A morning coffee on the porch, tending to her flowers, waving at the mailman every day. She found beauty in the ordinary, and she made us all better for it.”
Plans are currently underway for a memorial service to honor Paula Deist’s life, with details to be shared in the coming days. The family has asked for privacy during this time of mourning but encourages anyone who knew Paula to remember her in their own way—whether through an act of kindness, a shared memory, or a prayer spoken from the heart.
In lieu of flowers, the Deist family has requested donations be made in Paula’s name to local causes she supported, including the Garland County Council on Aging and her longtime church, where she found both solace and community.
As the sun sets over the familiar hills of Hot Springs, residents hold tight to the memory of a woman whose life was a quiet testament to love, generosity, and grace. Paula Deist may be gone, but her spirit lives on in every life she touched—and in every corner of the community she called home.