On Tuesday, July 7^th, 2026 the Hope Police Department reported that a deceased individual had  been found on Saturday, July 4^th, 2026.

The Arkansas State Crime Laboratory has identified the deceased individual as Clay Ludlow, 32  of Smithville, OK. Mr. Ludlow had not been reported as a missing person.

The Arkansas State Crime Lab and the Hope Police Department continue to investigate the  circumstances surrounding Mr. Ludlow being in Hope, AR as well as the cause and manner of  death.