Tragic Collision on US Hwy. 59 Claims Life of Pennsylvania Man

In the early hours of Sunday, November 19, 2023, tragedy struck on US Hwy. 59/ IH-69 near Cleveland, Texas, as a major collision unfolded between a 2022 Freightliner semi-truck hauling a box trailer and a 2012 Ford F-350 utility truck. The incident occurred at approximately 7:47 am and was swiftly responded to by the Cleveland Police and Fire Departments.

According to the ongoing investigation conducted by the Cleveland Police Department, it has been determined that the semi-truck and box trailer were stationary on the right shoulder, away from the main traffic lanes. However, they were struck from behind with great force by the Ford F-350 truck, resulting in a devastating impact. The collision was so severe that both occupants of the Ford truck were forcefully ejected from their vehicle.

Tragically, the driver of the Ford F-350, identified as 46-year-old Jason Lee Emerick from Hyndman, Pennsylvania, did not survive the crash. Justice of the Peace Ralph Fuller, from Liberty County Precinct #6, pronounced Mr. Emerick deceased at the scene, leaving his family and loved ones in deep sorrow.

“The family of the deceased driver has been notified, and our hearts go out to them during this incredibly difficult time,” stated Sergeant D. Edwards, who is leading the crash investigation.

The passenger and the driver of the semi-truck were both injured in the collision. They were promptly transported to a nearby hospital by Allegiance EMS and are currently listed in stable condition, providing hope amidst the tragedy.

Background of the Incident

The incident unfolded on a chilly Sunday morning, as the sun began to rise over the serene landscape. At approximately 7:47 am, emergency services were alerted to a major crash on the 700 block of US Hwy. 59/ IH-69. The collision involved a 2022 Freightliner semi-truck, which was hauling a box trailer, and a 2012 Ford F-350 utility truck.

Upon reaching the scene, investigators discovered that the semi-truck had come to a halt on the right shoulder, seeking temporary refuge away from the bustling traffic lanes. In a cruel twist of fate, the Ford truck, travelling at considerable speed, collided forcefully into the back of the stationary semi-truck. The impact of the collision was so powerful that it caused both occupants of the Ford truck to be ejected from their vehicle, leading to severe injuries.

Justice of the Peace Ralph Fuller was called to the scene to pronounce the driver of the Ford truck, Jason Lee Emerick, deceased. The news of his untimely demise sent shockwaves through the community, as friends and family grappled with the sudden loss of a loved one from a distant state.

As the investigation continues, the Cleveland Police Department’s Major Accident Investigators are diligently working to uncover the circumstances that led to this tragic collision. Every detail, from the speed of the vehicles to potential distractions, will be carefully analyzed to determine the cause of the incident.

The community mourns the loss of Jason Lee Emerick and offers their heartfelt condolences to his family and friends. As the investigation progresses, the hope remains that valuable lessons can be learned to prevent similar accidents in the future.