Huntsville, TX (June 23, 2025) – Mary Louise Sargent, 64, of Montgomery, was killed Sunday evening in a violent chain-reaction crash on Interstate 45 near State Highway 30 in Huntsville, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety.
Incident Details: The crash occurred when Sargent’s Kia passenger car was traveling southbound on I‑45 and was struck from behind by an 18-wheeler. The force of the impact pushed the Kia into a trailer being towed by a Chevrolet 2500 pickup in front of her.
According to investigators, the Kia rode up the left side of the trailer, which was hauling a mini-excavator, and dislodged the equipment. The Kia then continued forward and struck the tailgate and roof of the pickup, collapsing it, before rolling onto its roof. The 18-wheeler continued traveling for approximately half a mile before stopping, leaving behind its chrome cattle guard and sustaining heavy front-end damage.
Firefighters from Huntsville responded to the scene and extricated Sargent from the vehicle. She was pronounced dead at the scene. Her granddaughter, who was also in the Kia, was critically injured and transported for emergency care.
Investigation and Legal Considerations: Texas DPS troopers are investigating the circumstances of the crash, including potential driver distraction, speed, or brake failure on the part of the 18-wheeler. Liability may hinge on whether the truck driver maintained proper following distance and control of the vehicle.
We offer our deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of Mary Louise Sargent, and we extend our hopes for a full recovery to her injured granddaughter.
Source: FOX44 News