TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY – Rusk County Fatal Crash 2/26/23

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

Date & Time: 2/26/2023 & 12:55 A.M.

County: Rusk

Location: State Highway 42, 4 miles south of Kilgore, Texas

Posted Speed Limit: 60 mph

Vehicle 1: 2010 Ford F-150

Driver 1: Deceased

Fernando Baldazo, male, 22 YOA of Kilgore, Texas.

Seatbelt: Yes

Pronounced By: Steven French, a paramedic with Christus Mother Frances, on scene

Description:

Preliminary investigation indicates that vehicle 1 was traveling south on State Highway 42 approaching a slight curve in the roadway. The driver of vehicle 1 failed to drive in a single lane and drifted off the roadway and attempted to overcorrect back onto the roadway causing vehicle 1 to collide into a tree.

Weather Condition: Clear

Road Conditions: Dry

Investigated By: Trooper Ramirez, DPS Henderson

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