Subject: Fayetteville Family in Need After Vehicle Theft and Crash Leaves Elderly and Disabled Victims Without Transportation

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Thomas Brick Bradford

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — A local family known for their lifelong service to others is now facing tragedy and financial hardship after their only vehicle was stolen, wrecked, and totaled in a high-speed chase with the Arkansas State Police.

Thomas Brick Bradford, 63, a lifelong Arkansan and University of Arkansas graduate (Class of 1986), lives with his 96-year-old mother, Beverly Ellen Bradford, and his 65-year-old disabled brother, Michael Shaw Bradford. Both rely solely on Social Security and SSI income. Their only vehicle was stolen — not once, but twice — and ultimately destroyed in a crash that ended with one suspect hospitalized and another in custody.

“Those who know our family know we’ve always had generous hearts and would give to anyone in need,” said Thomas Bradford. “Now, for the first time, we’re humbly asking others to help us in our time of need.”

Michael Bradford, known by friends as “Mike,” is an active member of the local Christian community. He has served as a missionary both locally and abroad, including in Haiti. Years ago, he sustained a head injury that left him with a short-term memory disorder — a condition that makes daily life challenging. Despite this, he continues to teach himself languages and serve others with faith and compassion.

Their mother, “Mom Ellen,” has long been a beloved figure in Fayetteville. She served for 16 years as House Mother of the Tri Delta Sorority at the University of Arkansas, where she mentored thousands of young women and helped guide them through college life. She was later honored with a room dedicated in her name inside the Tri Delta house on Maple Street — and remains the only person ever initiated into the sorority without being a pledge.

Born in Belzoni, Mississippi, Ellen was once crowned Miss Aviation while flying with Southern (now Delta) Airlines and even toured with the Blue Angels. After raising three sons, she devoted her life to helping others, teaching kindness, and spreading her trademark Southern grace.

“She truly was the girls’ mom away from home,” Thomas said. “Her voice, her warmth, and her heart made her unforgettable — she’s one of the last true Southern belles.”

The family’s ordeal began when their vehicle was first stolen after a locksmith failed to erase the original key code, allowing thieves to use a duplicate key. When the car was recovered and then stolen again, it was involved in a high-speed pursuit with state police that ended in a violent crash. The passenger was ejected and seriously injured, while the driver fled but was later captured and now faces multiple felony charges.

While the case has been widely covered from a law enforcement perspective, the Bradfords — the true victims — have been left without transportation, unable to pay more than $1,500 in towing and storage fees that continue to accumulate daily. With only state-required liability insurance, there is no coverage for their loss. And despite their age and medical needs, they do not qualify for any state victim-assistance funds, since their case involves property loss rather than bodily injury.

A GoFundMe campaign has been established to help replace the vehicle and cover the mounting storage costs.

“We are simply asking for help to get back on the road and continue caring for each other,” Thomas said. “Even a small act of kindness will make a world of difference to my mother and brother.”

About the Bradfords:

The Bradford family has lived in Arkansas for generations. They are known for their Christian service, their community ties, and their longstanding connection to the University of Arkansas. Beverly Ellen Bradford, affectionately known as “Mom Ellen,” served as Tri Delta House Mother for over a decade and continues to be remembered as one of the most influential mentors in the sorority’s history.