Dallas, Texas – Two families in different parts of the country are grieving after a tragic crash in north Dallas claimed the lives of two brothers-in-law who were visiting the area for work. The men were struck while walking near a busy roadway, turning an ordinary business trip into a devastating loss that has rippled across multiple states.
Incident Overview
The fatal incident occurred late Thursday night near Coit Road and Frankford Road in Dallas, where Chad Smith and his brother-in-law, Sam Arlia, were walking when a vehicle lost control and veered off the road. Both men were transported to a nearby hospital, where they were later pronounced dead.
Family friends say the two had traveled to the Dallas–Fort Worth area for a professional conference connected to their work in sound installation.
“They were both in sound installation and came in for a conference,” Marcus Stern said.
Timeline of Events
According to friends close to the families, the events unfolded quickly and without warning. On the night of the crash, Annette Smith, Chad’s wife, sent a text message to close friends explaining that her husband and her brother had been struck by a vehicle while walking near the intersection.
“One of the cars lost control and veered off the road and struck them, and they were taken to the hospital where they were pronounced dead,” Marcus Stern said.
The suddenness of the incident left loved ones stunned as they struggled to process the news from hundreds of miles away.
Details From Family and Friends
Marcus and Vanessa Stern, longtime friends of the Smith family, said the message they received that night was almost impossible to comprehend.
“I mean, what do you do when you get a text like that from a friend?” Vanessa Stern said. “We were in shock.”
The loss has been especially difficult for Annette Smith and Cindy Arlia, who now face life without their husbands of 25 years.
“It’s just been really heavy,” Vanessa Stern said. “Honestly, my heart is thinking about her minute by minute now.”
Key Facts About the Victims
Both men were deeply rooted in their families, faith, and communities:
- Chad Smith was married to Annette Smith for 25 years and was the father of three children. The family lives in Colorado.
- Sam Arlia was married to Cindy Arlia for 25 years and helped raise four children in New Jersey.
- Both men were heavily involved in music and ministry, using their talents in service to others.
“They were salt of the earth, amazing people,” Marcus Stern said. “Very talented musically. Chad wrote music and published music. Both had amazing voices.”
Community Support and Fundraising Efforts
In the days following the crash, friends and community members have rallied to support both families. The Sterns helped organize a GoFundMe fundraiser to assist with the unexpected financial burdens that come with such a sudden loss.
“They’re not just planning one memorial service, but two,” Marcus Stern explained. “There’s grief counseling. There’s unexpected costs. We wanted to lighten the load as best we could.”
As of this week, the fundraiser has raised more than $18,000, a sign of the widespread impact Chad Smith and Sam Arlia had on those around them.
Pedestrian Safety and Ongoing Awareness
While authorities have not released additional details about the drivers involved, the crash has renewed concerns about pedestrian safety along busy roadways, especially in high-traffic areas of north Dallas. Advocates stress the importance of driver awareness, speed control, and infrastructure that protects pedestrians from vehicles that leave the roadway.
For families now grieving, those broader safety conversations come second to honoring the lives lost and supporting the loved ones left behind.
Conclusion
The deaths of Chad Smith and Sam Arlia have left two families, spread across Colorado and New Jersey, navigating unimaginable grief. Friends say the legacy of both men lives on through their music, faith, and the countless lives they touched.
As support continues to pour in, those closest to the families hope the generosity and compassion of others will help carry them through the difficult months ahead.
If you or someone you know has been affected by a similar tragedy or has insights on pedestrian safety in busy urban areas, share your experiences in the comments below.
