PRESS RELEASE — At approximately 1:15a.m., the Texas Department of Public Safety responded to a two vehicle crash on Interstate 10 in Jefferson County.  The crash occurred approximately two  miles East of Winnie, Texas.

Initial reports indicate that a 2001 Chevrolet pickup truck was traveling westbound on Interstate 10.  For an unknown reason, the driver of the Chevrolet struck a crash cushion on the right side of the road.  After striking the cushion, the vehicle rolled over and came to rest, blocking all westbound traffic lanes.  After coming to rest, the disabled vehicle was then struck by a 2009 Volkswagen passenger vehicle.

The driver of the Volkswagen, Melissa Whorley, 27, of Baytown, and her 6-year-old passenger were both transported by ambulance to St. Elizabeth hospital.  Their injuries did not appear to be life threatening.

The driver of the Chevrolet, James Corey Dorris, 29, of Groves, was transported by ambulance to St. Elizabeth hospital with serious injuries.  James Dorris did not survive his injuries and was pronounced deceased at 2:10a.m. by emergency room personnel.

This is an ongoing investigation as Troopers work to determine the exact factors that contributed to this fatal crash.