Nacogdoches, TX (January 29, 2026) – A fatal crash on Texas Highway 7 left one man dead and two others hospitalized about 12 miles east of Nacogdoches. The collision occurred shortly after 4:30 p.m. on January 28, just west of County Road 345. According to a preliminary report from the Texas Department of Public Safety, a 2018 Chevrolet Silverado traveling eastbound crossed into the oncoming lane and struck a westbound 2025 Ford F-150. The driver of the F-150, 31-year-old Trevor Whittington of Nacogdoches, was pronounced dead at the scene. Two men from Albuquerque, New Mexico—Marco Jimenez, 38, and Isidro Carrillo, 33—were transported to Nacogdoches Memorial Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Investigators have not confirmed if weather played a role in the crash, though ice remained in shaded areas following a winter storm.
Key Details
- Location: Nacogdoches, TX
- Where: Highway 7 near County Road 345
- Type: Two-Vehicle Collision
- Reported: January 28, shortly after 4:30 PM
- Injuries: One fatality, two injured
- Responding Agency: Texas Department of Public Safety
What We Know So Far
- The crash occurred on Hwy 7 west of CR 345
- Trevor Whittington, 31, was killed in the crash
- Two men from Albuquerque, NM, were injured and hospitalized
- A Chevy Silverado crossed into oncoming traffic, striking a Ford F-150
What’s Not Yet Confirmed
- Whether road conditions from the recent winter storm contributed to the crash
- If seatbelts were in use at the time of the collision
- Any additional contributing factors, such as speed or distraction
- The final determination of fault is pending official investigation
Local Context
Highway 7 runs through the eastern portion of Nacogdoches County, where stretches of rural roadway can become hazardous in winter conditions. Collisions in this region often require coordinated response efforts due to long travel distances and limited lighting. This incident marks the first fatal crash in Nacogdoches County in 2026, following seven traffic-related fatalities recorded in 2025. Updates from DPS may provide more insight into contributing factors as their investigation continues.
What to Do Next
- Follow directions from police or emergency personnel and avoid traveling through the area if possible during investigations.
- Write down any observations if you were a witness and consider providing a statement to the authorities.
- Use caution when driving in rural or shaded areas that may still have icy conditions after winter weather.
- Stay informed by checking updates from the Texas Department of Public Safety or local news sources.
FAQ
Q: What causes vehicles to cross into oncoming traffic?
A: Common causes include icy road conditions, driver distraction, fatigue, or loss of control due to speeding or mechanical failure.
Q: What is a Priority Two injury classification?
A: Priority Two refers to serious but non-life-threatening injuries that require urgent medical care, typically resulting in hospital transport.
Q: How do officials determine crash responsibility?
A: Investigators review crash scene evidence, vehicle positions, witness statements, and driver records to assess factors and determine fault.
