A Fort Campbell soldier has been indicted for vehicular homicide following a deadly crash that claimed the life of a fellow soldier—who was also a former classmate, hometown friend, and possible relative.
Specialist Braxton Connor May, 20, a combat engineer with the 101st Airborne Division, was formally charged by a Montgomery County grand jury in April for the death of Private First Class William Allen Lewis Smallwood, 19. The fatal incident occurred on October 21, 2023, on Fort Campbell Boulevard during what authorities say was an illegal street race.
The indictment alleges that May’s conduct during the crash—described as “drag racing”—was the proximate cause of the collision that killed Smallwood, who was riding his motorcycle at the time. Smallwood was transported to Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, where he later died from his injuries.
Both May and Smallwood were graduates of Menifee County High School in Frenchburg, Kentucky, and reportedly knew each other prior to their Army service. The two may have even been cousins, though this has not been officially confirmed.
A Tragedy That Struck Two Military Families
PFC Smallwood was a 91B wheeled vehicle mechanic, remembered for his love of music, dancing, and adventure. He had recently married and was known for his devotion to his wife, Veronica Vargas Smallwood. His family says he had spoken often and passionately about how deeply he loved her and knew he would marry her from the moment they met.
SPC May, who now faces a count of vehicular homicide, also comes from a military family. His father served in combat during the Global War on Terrorism and earned the Combat Action Badge. May’s wife, Hailey is reportedly pregnant with their first child, adding another emotional layer to the unfolding tragedy.
Upon his arrest on June 17, May was also charged as a fugitive from justice, related to outstanding warrants in Nelson County, Kentucky, where he is accused of wanton endangerment, evading police, and reckless driving. That fugitive charge was later dismissed on June 26, according to court records.
Despite the fatal crash and looming felony charge, May continued to share videos on social media of himself riding motorcycles at high speeds, including a clip from November 2024, over a year after Smallwood’s death.
Upcoming Court Proceedings
May is scheduled for arraignment on July 14 at 9 a.m. at the Montgomery County Courts Complex in Clarksville, Tennessee.
PFC Smallwood was laid to rest with full military honors on October 30, 2023, in Menifee County, Kentucky, surrounded by family, friends, and fellow service members.
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