TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY – Upshur County Fatal

Number of Vehicles in Crash: 2              Number of Injured: 1                   Number killed: 1

Date & Time: 2/01/2022  5:34 PM

County: Upshur

Location: US 271, approximately 1.7 miles south of Gilmer, TX.

Posted Speed Limit: 65 mph

Vehicle 1: 2005 Chevrolet Astro

Vehicle 2: 2003 Nissan Frontier

Driver 1:

Brendan R. Durkin, male, 53 YOA, of Gilmer, TX.

Transported to: UT-Health East Texas – Tyler in stable condition.

Seatbelt: Yes

Driver 2: Deceased

Verna L. Harris, female, 49 YOA, of Gilmer, TX.

Pronounced by: Judge Mitch Shamburger at UT-Health East Texas – Tyler.

Seatbelt: No

Description:

Preliminary investigation indicates Unit 1 was traveling north on US 271 directly behind Unit 2. Unit 2 slowed, preparing to turn left in to a private drive on the west side of US 271. The driver of Unit 1 failed to control its speed and struck Unit 2.

Weather Condition: Clear

Road Conditions: Dry

Investigated By: Trooper James Payne,  DPS Gilmer