December 10, 2017 - U.S. Highway 96 North was the scene of an early morning fatality crash Saturday, December 9, 2017.
When emergency personnel arrived at the scene of the incident, a Dodge pickup truck was found located between three large pine trees in front of a residence just south of the intersection with the north end of State Loop 500.
It was quickly determined by officers and EMS at the scene, the driver did not survive the collision.
According to Texas Department of Public Safety State Trooper Jesse Fountain, at 7am Troopers were dispatched to the scene of a reported crash on U.S. Highway 96 North. A blue 2011 Dodge 1500 pickup truck was southbound on U.S. Highway 96 when, for an unknown reason, it exited the roadway to the left.
The Dodge traveled through a stand of bamboo before colliding head on with three trees at high speed and causing major damage to the vehicle.
Melissa Crouch, Justice of the Peace Precinct 1, pronounced the driver Joseph Michael Windham Sr., 35, of Center dead at the scene. No autopsy was ordered. Next of kin was then notified.
Windham was transported from the scene by Mangum Funeral Home.
Trooper Fountain was assisted in the investigation by Troopers Richard Hill and Sean Smith. Shelby County Sheriff's Deputies Adam Renfro and Jesse Travis were also on scene.
