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