Texas Department of Public Safety – Van Zandt County Fatal Crash 12.6.22

Number of Vehicles in Crash: 2 Number of Injured: 0 Number killed: 2 Date & Time: 12/6/2022 & 4:20 P.M. 

County: Van Zandt 

Location: State Highway 19, 2.5 miles north of Canton, Texas Posted Speed Limit: 70 mph 

Vehicle 1: 2015 Ford Escape 

Vehicle 2: 2020 Toyota Tacoma 

Driver 1: Deceased 

Dorthy L. Thornton, female, 91 YOA of Edgewood, Texas 

Seatbelt: Yes 

Pronounced By: JP Wade McMillan, on scene 

Driver 2: Deceased 

James M. Branton, male, 44 YOA of Canton, Texas 

Seatbelt: Yes 

Pronounced By: JP Wade McMillan, on scene 

Description: 

Preliminary investigation indicates that vehicle 2 was traveling southbound on  SH 19. Vehicle 1 was traveling northbound on SH 19 passing several vehicles  in a no passing zone and collided with vehicle 2 head-on. 

Weather Condition: Clear 

Road Conditions: Dry 

Investigated By: Trooper C. Turner, DPS Canton 

A preliminary crash report will be available for purchase online in 10  days.  

Link: https://cris.dot.state.tx.us/public/Purchase/crashReportSearch.htm 

Sergeant Adam Albritton 

Texas Department of Public Safety 

Safety Education / Media Communications