TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY – Smith County Fatal

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

Date & Time: 04/09/2023 & 5:25 A.M.

County: Smith

Location: State Highway 31, 4 miles east of Tyler, Texas

Posted Speed Limit: 70 mph

Vehicle 1: 2012 Toyota Camry

Vehicle 2: 2012 Honda Civic

Driver 1: Deceased

Tanaya R. Scott, female, 21 YOA of Whitehouse, Texas.

Seatbelt: Yes

Pronounced By: JP Curtis Wulf, on scene

Passenger:

Blake T. Lee, male, 28 YOA of Tyler, Texas

Seatbelt: Yes

Non-Incapacitating Injuries: Transported to CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital, Tyler, Texas

Passenger:

Kaylee G. Choice, female, 21 YOA of Whitehouse, Texas

Seatbelt: Yes

Non-Incapacitating Injuries: Transported to UT Health Hospital, Tyler, Texas

Driver 2: Deceased

Tessa D. Bridges, female, 24 YOA of Longview, Texas.

Seatbelt: No

Pronounced By: JP Curtis Wulf, on scene

Description:

Preliminary investigation indicates that vehicle 1 was traveling west on State Highway 31 and vehicle 2 was traveling east on State Highway 31. Vehicle 1 crossed the center line into the oncoming lane and collided with vehicle 2.

Weather Condition: Clear

Road Conditions: Dry

Investigated By: Trooper F. Cedillo, DPS Tyler

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

Coverage Area: Smith, Rains, Wood, Camp, Upshur,

Gregg, Marion, Harrison and Panola counties.