October 2, 2015 - The third major crash in Shelby County ended tragically with a fatality Thursday, October 2, 2015 on FM 414.
Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) State Troopers, responded to a three-vehicle crash on US Highway 96 North in the morning and a two-vehicle crash on State Highway 7 West in the late afternoon before responding to the fatal crash on FM 414 in the evening.
According to the DPS crash report, at 6:49pm a single-vehicle rollover occurred on FM 414, 5.2 miles east of Center. A gray 1992 Chevrolet S-10 pickup truck driven by Clay Gates, 55 of Center, was traveling southbound on FM 414 when the vehicle left the roadway in a curve. The pickup traveled a distance partially off the roadway before crossing both lanes of traffic entering the northbound borrow ditch overturning and coming to rest across the north lane of the roadway with the bed of the truck hanging over a deep ditch. Gates was not wearing a seat belt and was ejected from the vehicle.
The Center Fire Department responded to assist and had to block off both ends of the crash scene during the investigation.
An inquest was done by Justice of the Peace Pct. 1 Maxie Eaves and Gates was pronounced dead at the scene at 7pm. Gates was picked up by Watson and Sons Funeral Home. The crash is being investigated by DPS Trooper Jade LaVergne, assisted by DPS Trooper John Hallenbeck.
See information relating to the morning crash here. Information on the afternoon crash will be provided as it is made available by DPS.
