DPS officials releases new details in deadly crash in Hedley

HEDLEY, Texas (KFDA) - The Texas Department of Public Safety is releasing the names of the people in a deadly crash that happened Monday in Hedley.

Officials said 43-year-old Ronald Simpkins, of Childress, died on scene and 52-year-old Kieth Williams, of Waco, was taken to a hospital with serious injuries.

TxDPS said Williams was a passenger in the first vehicle, a truck towing two small trailers, traveling eastbound on U.S. 287 near a construction zone in Hedley.

The truck was traveling too fast to stop without hitting a stopped semi-trailer, so the driver steered into the left lane in an attempt to avoid a collision.

The second vehicle traveling westbound, driven by Simpkins, steered right to avoid being struck by the first vehicle when the two collided. The driver’s side of Simpkins’ vehicle was struck leaving him dead.

Both vehicles came to a rest near the railroad crossing of Bailey Street in Hedley.

According to TxDOT Childress, the two remaining intersections in Hedley on U.S. 287, located at Bailey Street and McDougal Street, are closing effective today.

Drivers needing to access Hedley from U.S. 287 west of Hedley will need to take FM 1260 east of Clarendon to FM 2471 to FM 1932 or SH 273.

Drivers needing to access Hedley from US.. 287 east of Hedley will need to take County Road 28 to County Road W.

Drivers are reminded to use caution when entering the construction zone on the east and west side of Hedley.

Texas Highway Patrol Troopers are still investigating this accident, and we will continue to update this story as we learn more.

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