TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY – Ellis County Fatal Crash

Number of Vehicles in Crash: 4            Number of Injured: 1                  Number killed: 1

Date & Time: 05/17/23 10:39 AM

County: Ellis

Location: I.H. 45, ½ mile south of Alma

Posted Speed Limit: 70 mph

Vehicle 1: 2014 Kenworth T680

Vehicle 2: 2023 GG Trailer Chassis

Vehicle 3: 2023 Freightliner

Vehicle 4: 2023 Great Dane Flatbed

Driver 1: Deceased

Reginald Fairley, male, 56 YOA of Houston, TX.

Seatbelt: Yes

Pronounced by: Justice of the Peace Chris Macon, on scene.

Driver 2:

Andsel Searight, male, 51 YOA of Conroe, TX.

Seatbelt: Yes

Non-incapacitating injuries, not transported

Description:

Preliminary investigation indicates that vehicle 1, towing vehicle 2, was traveling north on IH45. Vehicle 3, towing vehicle 4, was also traveling north on IH45. Vehicle 1 failed to control speed while changing lanes and struck vehicle 4. This was initially reported as two fatalities. It is only a single fatality currently. This is an ongoing investigation and there is no further information currently.

 Weather Condition: Clear

Road Conditions: Dry

Investigated By: Sergeant Charles Fox, Ellis County DPS

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 William Lockridge

Texas Department of Public Safety