Rusk, TX (June 18, 2026) – A bicyclist died on Wednesday night, June 17, after an accident involving an 18-wheeler on U.S. Highway 84 in Rusk.
The collision happened around 8:50 p.m. in the 1200 block of U.S. Highway 84, near Loop 343. Police identified the bicyclist as 55-year-old Charlotte Goff.
According to the preliminary report, Goff was riding a bicycle when she was struck by the 18-wheeler. She died at the site and was pronounced dead by Cherokee County Justice of the Peace Brenda Dominy.
Police said the 18-wheeler driver remained there and cooperated with investigators. No criminal charges had been filed in the initial report on the wreck. The fatal crash remains under review as investigators work to confirm the full sequence.
Our sincere condolences go to Goff’s family and loved ones.
Bicyclists Face Greater Risks Around Large Trucks
Bicyclists face major danger when traveling near large trucks because there is little protection between the rider and moving traffic. An 18-wheeler’s size, weight, and height can make any roadway contact severe.
Highways can add even more risk. Vehicles may move at higher speeds, shoulders may be narrow, and lighting can be limited after dark. A bicyclist can also be harder to see near curves, roadside shadows, or busy traffic patterns.
Large trucks also have wide blind spots, especially along the sides and near the rear. Drivers may need more distance to slow or move over safely. After a serious bicycle-related crash, reviews usually focus on visibility, lane position, lighting, traffic flow, and where each person was before contact.
