TYLER COUNTY, Texas — Raymond Wood, 65, and David King, 54, tragically lost their lives Feb. 11 in a two-vehicle crash on US Highway 190.
Wood, of Bellaire, Texas, was driving a 2003 Chevrolet pickup east on Highway 190 when his vehicle reportedly traveled into the oncoming lane of traffic and struck a westbound 2016 Kenworth tractor-trailer driven by King of Smithville, Texas.
State troopers said the pickup struck the tractor-trailer on its left rear tandem and continued down the side of the trailer into the north ditch. The semi traveled into the north ditch and overturned.
Both Wood and King were pronounced dead at the scene of the crash.
An investigation into the crash is ongoing, and no additional information has been released.
Commentary on the Fatal Accident that Killed Mr. Raymond Wood and Mr. David King
A lot is going on in this accident, and I am sure the families of the deceased victims are searching for answers. Unfortunately, those with the most information are not with us to tell their story. Instead, we must rely on trained professionals to uncover the details.
I think the question we are all asking revolves around Mr. Wood’s actions. The reports provided indicate Mr. Wood failed to maintain his travel lane and struck a westbound tractor-trailer. As a result of the impact, the truck hit a ditch and overturned. If we unwind and think about the initial actions of Mr. Wood, we have to question what led him to cross left of center. I doubt the act was intentional and was probably caused by fatigue, distraction, or mechanical failure. If mechanical failure, this accident becomes more complex, and more parties could be implicated. For instance, if Mr. Wood’s tire failed and caused him to lose control of the vehicle, we would have to consider the acts of the tire manufacturer at the time the tire was designed and manufactured. Alternatively, if the vehicle experienced a stability issue similar to a Death Wobble, the vehicle’s integrity would need to be investigated.
At this point, we have too few details to unravel this case correctly. However, someone took negligent action, and a further investigation is warranted. Until that time, I extend my deepest condolences to the families of the deceased victims and offer my support during this challenging time.
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