GhLinks Media
Two people died after an early Friday morning crash in Cherokee County between an 18-wheeler and pickup truck.
Jesus Ayala, 48, and Ezequiel Villanueva, 49, both died after the pickup they were in was struck by an 18-wheeler that moved across the center median into the truck’s lane around 5:35 a.m., according to Texas Department of Public Safety Sgt. Chris Williamson.
Williamson said the crash happened on U.S. Highway 69 near County Road 2745. The 18-wheeler was going north on U.S 69, while the pickup truck was traveling southbound.
Williamson said the 18-wheeler driver crossed over the center median for an unknown reason in the southbound lanes of US 69,striking Ayala’s truck on the driver’s side. The pickup truck rolled over onto its roof into a ditch.
Cherokee County Pct. 2 Justice of the Peace Amber Hood identified Ayala and Villanueva as the driver and passenger of the truck, respectively.
The driver and passenger of the 18-wheeler were taken to a nearby hospital. Their injuries are unknown.
DPS is investigating the crash.
