Kirbyville, TX (February 27, 2025) – A fatal rear-end collision on Highway 96 near County Road 619 took the life of 76-year-old Marcellus Davis of Kirbyville, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS).
Accident Details: The crash occurred shortly before 9:00 a.m. when a northbound 2017 Hino box truck driven by 61-year-old Mikal Jenkins of Beaumont hit the rear of a 2013 Chevrolet Impala. The impact caused both vehicles to veer off the highway, with the Impala colliding with a tree. Davis, the driver of the Impala, was pronounced dead at the scene. Jenkins was transported to Baptist Hospital in Beaumont with non-life-threatening injuries.
Investigation and Legal Considerations: Authorities will need to examine various factors to determine the cause of the crash. Drivers are required to maintain a safe following distance. If a driver travels too fast for conditions or fails to notice slowing traffic, they may have difficulty stopping to slow traffic. Investigators will determine whether the box truck driver had enough time and distance to avoid the collision. Factors such as distracted driving, fatigue, or excessive speed could have played a role in the crash.
Authorities may also examine the box truck’s maintenance records to determine if brake failure, tire issues, or other mechanical defects contributed to the collision. Trucking companies are required to perform regular inspections to ensure their vehicles are safe for highway travel.
If the investigation finds that negligence contributed to the crash, Marcellus Davis’s family may have grounds to file a wrongful death claim.
I offer my sincerest condolences to Marcellus Davis’s family and friends during this difficult time.
Source: KJAS