Stanley Reed, a cotton farmer from Marianna was a finalist for the University of Arkansas system presidency, died in a single-car accident this morning near Augusta, according to authorities.

Bill Sadler with the Arkansas State Police confirmed the fatal accident involving Reed in Woodruff County.

The crash scene was located one mile east of Augusta along U.S. Highway 64, according to Trooper Kurt Zigenhorn of the department’s Highway Patrol Division, Troop D. Zigenhorn was dispatched to the scene at 9:53 a.m. following a report electronically sent from the Woodruff County sheriff's office

Reed was the lone occupant of the eastbound vehicle. Zigenhorn said he believes Reed was returning to Marianna from a farm supply business at Augusta.

The vehicle left the roadway without any evidence of attempting to brake or skid, crossed a ditch, traveled more than 300 feet and struck a tree.

An investigative report will not be completed until next week, the Arkansas State Police said, but the preliminary accident report has been posted online.

Reed, 59, was lawyer who had been on the UA Board of Trustees, led the Farm Bureau and briefly ran for the Republican nomination for the U.S. Senate last year.

He dropped out of the race because of health issues, saying at the time it was a tough decision but the right one.

“He just loved the university of Arkansas system and everything about it,” said B. Alan Sugg, the outgoing president of the system. “I just can’t say enough things about him. He was one of the most outstanding human beings I’ve ever known.”

Gov. Mike Beebe said he was shocked by Reed’s death and called him a “staunch advocate” for the state’s farmers. “He was known for his dedication and commitment, and his voice will be missed,” Beebe said.

Reed co-chaired Republican John Boozman’s successful bid to unseat Democratic Sen. Blanche Lincoln.

“The state of Arkansas lost a true friend and champion,” Boozman said. “Stanley’s friendship has meant a great deal to me over the years and his wisdom and example has had tremendous influence on so many.”

Reed earned a degree in agricultural engineering from UA-Fayetteville in 1973. He then went on to earn a law degree from UA’s School of Law in 1976. A longtime farmer, Reed also was president of the Arkansas Farm Bureau from 2003-08.

He is survived by his wife, Charlene, three children and three grandchildren.

Read tomorrow's Arkansas Democrat-Gazette for full details.

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