By Eric Williams

The Orange Leader

 

At approximately 12:30 p.m., on Sunday, there was a two vehicle crash on State Highway 87 in Newton County. The crash occurred about one mile south of Deweyville.

Preliminary reports indicate that a 2014 Dodge pickup truck was traveling southbound on State Highway 87. A 2001 Ford Escape was traveling northbound on State Highway 87.

The driver of the Dodge hydroplaned on the wet roadway, crossed the center dividing line and collided head-on with the Ford Escape.

The driver of the Dodge, Jared Michael Moore, 35, of Orange, was transported by ambulance to St. Elizabeth hospital. Moore sustained serious injuries, but the injuries did not appear to be life threatening.

The driver of the Ford, an 18-year-old female from Orange, was also transported by ambulance to St. Elizabeth hospital.

She did not survive her injuries.

The Texas Department of Public Safety can confirm that Taylor Nicole Luther, 18, of Orange was killed in the head-on collision on State Highway 87 in Newton County. On Monday, school counselors will be on hand to talk with students and for grief counseling.

The band boosters released a statement that “it is with heavy hearts that the LC-M Band Boosters offer our condolences to the family of Taylor Luther. Taylor was a beautiful and talented young woman. She was kind, smart, hard working and funny. She will truly be missed by all who knew her. We love you Taylor!”

The fatal crash is still under investigation.