A tragic two-vehicle collision on Lawson Road has claimed the life of 26-year-old Allison Burke, leaving her loved ones and community to mourn a life lost far too soon.

Southwest Patrol Officers responded to a serious crash at approximately 12500 Lawson Road after two vehicles collided while traveling in opposite directions. According to investigators, Vehicle 1 was traveling westbound on Lawson Road, while Vehicle 2, driven by Burke, was traveling eastbound.

Authorities said Vehicle 1 failed to successfully negotiate a curve in the roadway and crossed over the center line. The vehicle then struck Vehicle 2 on its left side with significant force. Following the collision, both vehicles left the roadway and came to rest in an embankment south of Lawson Road.

The crash quickly became a devastating emergency.

The driver of Vehicle 1, identified as 44-year-old Christy Serwein, suffered minor injuries and was transported to a local hospital by MEMS for treatment.

Burke, however, was initially found unconscious following the collision. Emergency medical personnel transported her to a local hospital, where medical staff worked to treat the serious injuries she had sustained. Despite those efforts, hospital staff later notified authorities that Burke had succumbed to her injuries. Her injuries included multiple internal injuries.

At just 26 years old, Burke’s life was tragically cut short.

Behind every traffic collision is a person with a story, a family, friendships, memories and a future that can change in an instant. For Allison’s loved ones, the news of her death is undoubtedly a heartbreaking reality that is difficult to comprehend.

A Southwest Patrol Sergeant notified the Reconstruction Unit, which responded to the crash scene to assist investigators in determining exactly what happened. Both vehicles were impounded and placed on hold while the investigation continues.

The Pulaski County Coroner also responded to the hospital and collected toxicology samples from Burke. Investigators additionally collected a urine sample from Serwein, which will be submitted to the crime laboratory for toxicology testing as part of the ongoing investigation.

Authorities have notified Burke’s next of kin, allowing her family to begin the painful process of grieving and saying goodbye to someone whose life ended unexpectedly.

There are no words that can fully ease the pain of losing a loved one in a sudden tragedy. Allison Burke was more than a name in a crash report. She was a daughter, a family member, a friend and a person whose presence mattered to those who knew and loved her.

Her death serves as another painful reminder of how quickly an ordinary journey can turn into an unimaginable tragedy. A moment on the road can alter countless lives forever, leaving families to carry memories of someone who should have had many more years ahead.

As investigators continue working to piece together the circumstances surrounding the collision, Allison’s loved ones are left to remember her life rather than the circumstances of her final moments.

May the memories Allison created during her 26 years bring comfort to those who loved her. May her family find strength in one another during this incredibly difficult time, and may the memories of her smile, her kindness and the moments she shared with others remain close to their hearts.

In loving memory of Allison Burke.

Gone far too soon, but never forgotten.

The investigation into the Lawson Road collision remains ongoing.