TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY – Van Zandt County Fatal Crash – 2/21/23

Number of Vehicles in Crash:1          Number of   Injured: 0                Number killed: 1

Date & Time: 2/21/2023 & 10:30 P.M.

County: Van Zandt

Location: FM 17, 2.5 miles south of Grand Saline, Texas

Posted Speed Limit: 70 mph

Vehicle 1: 2013 Yamaha Motorcycle

Driver 1: Deceased

Erick W. Baker, male, 37 YOA of Alba, Texas.

Helmet: No

Pronounced By: Dr. Cynthia Simmons, CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital, Canton, Texas

Description:

Preliminary investigation indicates that vehicle 1 was traveling west on FM 17 approaching a curve in the roadway. The driver of vehicle 1 was traveling at a speed unsafe to safely negotiate the curve and struck a mailbox on the north side of the roadway.

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

Adam Albritton, Sergeant

Texas Department of Public Safety

Safety Education / Media & Communications