Roaring Springs, TX (January 13, 2026) – A tragic crash late Sunday evening in Motley County left one man dead and a woman seriously injured following a collision on Highway 70, just south of Roaring Springs.
According to the Texas Department of Public Safety, the incident occurred when a vehicle driven by 25-year-old Joclynne Clarkston-Smith of Seminole struck the back of a pickup truck that was stopped in the middle of the highway. Authorities report that the pickup had no lights on at the time of the crash.
Clarkston-Smith sustained serious injuries in the collision and was rushed to a nearby medical facility for emergency treatment. The driver of the pickup, identified as 71-year-old Richard Piper of Roaring Springs, was transported to a hospital in Crosbyton, where he later died from his injuries.
The crash site, located roughly an hour northeast of Lubbock, was closed for some time as officials worked to document the scene and begin their investigation. DPS troopers are continuing to examine the circumstances that led to the collision.
Our deepest condolences go out to the family of Richard Piper. We also wish Joclynne Clarkston-Smith a full and swift recovery.
