TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY – Smith County Fatal
TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY
Number of Vehicles in Crash: 2 Number of Injured: 3 Number killed: 1
Date & Time: 1/12/2022 11:45 PM
County: Smith
Location: SH 31 E., approximately 13 miles east of Tyler, TX.
Posted Speed Limit: 70 mph
Vehicle 1: 2008 Cadillac CTS
Vehicle 2: 1997 GMC Jimmy
Driver 1:
Gary L. Nichols, male, 40 YOA, of Kilgore, TX.
Treated at the scene.
Seatbelt: Yes
Driver 2:
Ashley L. Wilson, female, 22 YOA, of Overton.
Transported to: UT-Health East Texas – Tyler in critical condition.
Seatbelt: No
Passenger/Pedestrian:
Hayley Wilson, female, 23 YOA, of Overton.
Transported to: Christus Trinity Mother Francis Hospital – Tyler in critical condition.
Seatbelt: N/A
Passenger/Pedestrian:
Devin C. Hardee, male, 24 YOA, of Overton, TX.
Transported to: UT-Health East Texas – Tyler in stable condition.
Seatbelt: N/A
Passenger/Pedestrian: Deceased
Jace D. Taylor, male, 22 YOA, of Overton, TX.
Seatbelt: N/A
Pronounced by: Judge Shamburger, at the scene.
Description:
Preliminary investigation indicates that Unit 2 had become disabled in the eastbound lane of SH 31 E. and that two male occupants were attempting to push/pull the vehicle while the driver and female passenger remained in the vehicle. Unit 1, traveling eastbound on the same roadway, struck the disabled vehicle. The driver of Unit 2 was arrested for Intoxication Manslaughter.
Weather Condition: Clear
Road Conditions: Dry
Investigated By: Trooper Charles Pryor, DPS Tyler