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Ector Co, TX – Fatal Two-Vehicle Crash at SH 302 & FM 866

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January 8, 2026
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Ector County, TX (January 8, 2026) – A tragic crash involving two vehicles claimed the life of one individual in Ector County on the evening of January 7. The incident occurred at the intersection of SH 302 and FM 866 around 7:30 p.m., according to the Texas Department of Public Safety.

Preliminary findings revealed that a semi-truck traveling south on FM 866 failed to yield at a stop sign, entering the path of a westbound 2022 Ford F-250 on SH 302. The semi obstructed the westbound lanes, causing the Ford to collide with the trailer.

The driver of the Ford, identified as 49-year-old Derek Wayne Pearson of Bellville, was wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash. Despite safety measures, he sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.

The driver of the semi was uninjured, and no other injuries were reported in connection with the incident. Authorities have not yet released additional information as the investigation remains ongoing.

Our thoughts are with the family and loved ones of Derek Wayne Pearson during this difficult time.

1Seek treatment promptly after being injured in an accident. Your first priority should always be your health. Many providers offer treatment on a lien basis, meaning you can get the care you need now and pay later when your claim is resolved.
2Before speaking with an insurance company, make sure you have the facts. An official police report is the most reliable record of what happened and can help establish liability An experienced attorney can assist you in obtaining this report and using it to protect your interests.
3Consider having your case reviewed by a qualified attorney who can guide you through the next steps. They will safeguard your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve.

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Note: These posts are created solely for the use of Local Accident Reports. We have not verified the information in these posts as the information is gathered from secondary sources. If you have personal knowledge that the information contained in these posts is inaccurate, please contact Local Accident Reports immediately so we can make the necessary corrections or remove the story.

Disclaimer: We are providing this information to the general public as a resource to use in the event you or a family member are injured in a similar incident. Every effort is put forth to honor the victims of accidents, and hope the information presented helps others avoid the same type of accidents in the future. The photos depicted in these posts are not representative of the actual accident scene. Please contact Local Accident Reports at (888) 657-1460 to be connected with an attorney in your area who will answer any legal questions you may have.

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Lindsay Redd is the News Director and a legal reporter with more than 20 years of experience in community-based journalism. She oversees nationwide coverage at Local Accident Reports, prioritizing timely, factual reporting that supports public safety. 

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Delfina Campana

Delfina Campana is an accident news writer with a background in Literature and Linguistics, specializing in clear, factual reporting supported by search-driven structure.
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