Ector County, TX (January 12, 2026) – Jorge Zapata, 27, was killed and Mayrani Martinez Morales, 27, was injured in a three-vehicle crash on Monday at the intersection of FM 866 and West University in Ector County.
Incident Details: According to the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), a crash occurred around 6 a.m. on January 12, in Ector County at the intersection of FM 866 and West University.
The crash involved a 2015 Peterbilt with a trailer, a 2025 GMC Sierra, and a 2003 Ford F-150. The GMC Sierra was traveling northbound on FM 866 when the southbound Peterbilt turned east into West University. The Peterbilt’s turn resulted in a collision between the two vehicles. After the initial impact, the GMC Sierra struck the Ford F-150, which was stopped at the intersection.
The driver of the GMC Sierra, Jorge Zapata, was pronounced dead at the scene. He was wearing a seatbelt.
Mayrani Martinez Morales was a passenger in the GMC Sierra. She was taken to Odessa Medical Center Hospital with serious injuries. She was also wearing a seatbelt.
The Peterbilt driver was not injured. The driver of the Ford F-150 sustained minor injuries but refused medical treatment. Both drivers were wearing seatbelts.
Investigation: Texas DPS is continuing to investigate the three-vehicle crash at FM 866 and West University that killed Jorge Zapata and seriously injured Mayrani Martinez Morales.
Investigators will examine how the collision occurred, including the timing of the Peterbilt’s turn and whether the GMC Sierra had the right of way. Authorities will also review physical evidence from the scene, vehicle damage, debris patterns, and the final resting positions of the vehicles to reconstruct the sequence of impacts. Visibility conditions, traffic controls at the intersection, and witness statements may also be evaluated to determine fault and whether any traffic violations contributed to the crash.
Legal Considerations: Crashes involving turning commercial trucks often raise important liability questions, especially when a turn places a large vehicle directly in the path of oncoming traffic. If the investigation finds the Peterbilt driver failed to yield or made an unsafe turn, civil liability may apply for the resulting death and injuries.
Depending on the circumstances, responsibility could also extend to the trucking company if issues involving training, supervision, or safety policies are identified.
For Zapata’s family, a wrongful death claim may help surviving loved ones seek compensation for funeral expenses, loss of financial support, and the loss of companionship and care. Morales may also have a personal injury claim to recover damages for medical bills, rehabilitation, lost income, and pain and suffering.
My thoughts are with the family and loved ones of Jorge Zapata during this difficult time, and we wish Mayrani Martinez Morales strength and healing as she recovers.
Source: NewsWest9