SHARP COUNTY, Ark. — The North Arkansas Electric Cooperative and communities across north-central Arkansas are mourning the loss of Rhett Carter, a 24-year-old employee who died after sustaining serious injuries in a workplace accident earlier this month.
Carter was injured on Aug. 6 while working in the Ozark Acres area of Sharp County. Emergency responders were called to the scene, and due to the severity of his injuries, he was airlifted to a hospital in Little Rock for treatment.
After several weeks of medical care, Carter died Tuesday, leaving behind a grieving family, coworkers, and friends who remember him as a hardworking young man dedicated to both his profession and the people around him.
The Sharp County Sheriff’s Office has not yet released its official report regarding the circumstances of the accident, and the incident remains under review.
Promising Career Cut Tragically Short
According to North Arkansas Electric Cooperative officials, Carter joined the organization in December 2022 as an intern, beginning what many believed would be a long and successful career in the utility industry.
Following his internship, he became a full-time employee in July 2024 and continued to build his career within the cooperative. His commitment and work ethic earned him a promotion to the company’s right-of-way division in 2025.
Coworkers say Carter quickly established a reputation as a dependable team member who approached every task with professionalism and determination. Those who worked alongside him describe a young man who took pride in his responsibilities and was respected throughout the organization.
His death has been felt deeply among fellow employees, many of whom spent years working alongside him in the field and developing close friendships beyond the workplace.
Community and Cooperative Grieve Together
In the wake of Carter’s passing, North Arkansas Electric Cooperative announced temporary office closures to allow employees an opportunity to honor their colleague and attend funeral services.
The cooperative’s Ash Flat office has remained closed following the tragedy, while the Salem and Mountain Home offices are scheduled to close Friday so employees can participate in services celebrating Carter’s life.
The decision reflects the profound impact Carter had on the organization and the close-knit nature of the cooperative’s workforce.
Across the region, community members have expressed condolences and support for Carter’s family, recognizing both his contributions to the cooperative and the devastating loss experienced by those closest to him.
Remembering Rhett Carter
Family members and friends remember Carter as a devoted husband, son, brother, and friend whose life centered on faith, family, and service to others.
He is survived by his wife, Kiley; his parents, Ross and Misti Carter; his siblings, Tressie and Cooper; and numerous extended family members and loved ones who now face the difficult task of moving forward without him.
Those who knew Carter say he possessed a kind heart, a strong work ethic, and a willingness to help others whenever needed. Whether spending time with family, working alongside coworkers, or serving his community, he left a lasting impression on those fortunate enough to know him.
At just 24 years old, Carter’s future appeared filled with promise and opportunity. His sudden passing has left an enormous void in the lives of family members and friends who expected many more years of memories with him.
Funeral Arrangements and Memorial Donations
Funeral services for Carter are scheduled for Friday, when family members, friends, coworkers, and community residents will gather to celebrate his life and honor his memory.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that memorial contributions be directed to Humphries Cemetery in Glencoe or to Public Timber Project Bible Donations, causes that held special meaning to those closest to him.
As the community prepares to say goodbye, many continue to reflect on the impact Carter made during his short but meaningful life.
While investigators continue reviewing the circumstances surrounding the workplace accident, those who knew Rhett Carter are choosing to remember the man he was—a dedicated employee, loving husband, cherished son and brother, and a respected member of the north Arkansas community whose life ended far too soon.
His memory will live on in the hearts of his family, friends, coworkers, and all who had the privilege of knowing him.
