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