Andrew Blaine Hightower
July 24, 2020 - Following the announcement of Hightower being found safe Ben Baker, a family member, commented on Shelby County Today's social media Friday morning to thank the first responders for all of their efforts in trying to locate Hightower, "Just want to say thank you for all who searched for him. Y'all's community went above and beyond from the wrecker service to the state police. He is home with us and thankful it wasn't worse than it was. God bless."
July 23, 2020 - (8:57pm) - The driver Andrew Blaine Hightower, 28, involved in the crash on US 96 on July 22, has been found unharmed and in contact with his family.
(4:30pm) - The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is seeking the whereabouts of the man they believes was involved in the crash Wednesday, July 22, 2020.
The driver—who Troopers believe is Andrew Blaine Hightower, 28, from Denton—was not located at the scene of the crash. Investigators have learned from family members that he was traveling from Fort Worth to Lake Charles, Louisiana.
Hightower is listed as an overdue motorist, and law enforcement agencies in Southeast Texas have been made aware that he has not arrived at his destination. Anyone with information on Hightower’s whereabouts is asked to contact local law enforcement or Lufkin DPS Communications at 936-699-7340.
Hightower is described as a white male who is approximately 5’6” tall and weighs about 137 pounds. He has blonde hair and blue eyes.
This crash remains under investigation.
July 23, 2020 - The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is actively searching for the man involved in the crash on Wednesday. DPS Troopers and Center Fire Department fire personnel returned to the location of the crash on Thursday, July 23, 2020, as he was now reported missing.
Firemen scoured the woods around the crash and a drone was also utilized to give an aerial view of the scene; however, no sign of the driver could be found.
Additional information about the driver, including his name and a photograph are pending from the Texas Department of Public Safety. This information will be updated at that time.
Anyone who may have witnessed the incident or who may have seen the driver should reach out to law enforcement. The Shelby County Sheriff's Department can be reached at 936-699-7340.
July 22, 2020 - Emergency crews responded to a location two miles south of Loop 500 in Center on U.S. Highway 96 South where a single-vehicle crash occured on July 22, 2020 at 5:15pm.
According to Texas Department of Public Safety State Trooper Taylor Buster, a black 2005 Mini Cooper with California plates was traveling southbound on U.S. Highway 96 South when, for an unknown reason, the vehicle left the roadway to the right traveled over a large culvert, striking several trees and rolled before coming to rest on its top.
EMS, Center Fire Department Fire personnel and Shelby County Sheriff's Deputies assisted in searching around the vehicle for a victim of the crash; however, no one was located.
Hughes Wrecker Services assisted in pulling the vehicle out while trying to locate the driver, and the vehicle was towed from the scene by East Texas Towing and Recovery.
The location of the driver is still unknown at this time.
