Newton, TX (February 16, 2026) – A fatal two-vehicle crash claimed the life of a 77-year-old man on Sunday morning in Newton County. The collision occurred shortly after 7 a.m. on County Rd 4002 near the Woods Community, just south of Newton, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety.
Key Details
- Location: County Rd 4002 near the Woods Community, south of Newton
- Reported: February 15 at 7 a.m.
- Type: Fatal two-vehicle crash
- Vehicles: Dodge pickup and Lexus SUV
- Victim: Timothy Knighton, 77, of Newton
- Other Driver: Teron Elizabeth Harrell, 40, of Newton, not injured
What We Know So Far
- Investigators said a Dodge pickup traveling north crossed into the southbound lane and struck a Lexus SUV head-on.
- The driver of the Lexus was pronounced dead at the scene by a Newton County Justice of the Peace.
- Emergency crews from the Newton Fire Department and at least three additional departments responded to the scene.
- The driver of the Dodge was not reported injured.
What’s Not Yet Confirmed
- What caused the Dodge to cross into the oncoming lane.
- Whether any contributing factors, such as weather or roadway conditions, played a role.
- If additional investigative findings will be released.
Local Context
County Rd 4002 runs through a rural portion of Newton County near the Woods Community, just south of the city of Newton. Roads in this area are typically two-lane routes bordered by wooded properties and scattered residences. With limited shoulders and opposing traffic traveling at highway speeds, head-on crashes on county roads can have severe consequences. When incidents occur in this part of the county, volunteer fire departments and regional emergency personnel often respond from multiple locations to provide medical assistance and secure the roadway while investigators document the scene.
What to Do Next
- If you were involved in a crash, move to a safe location if possible and check for injuries. Call 911 immediately if anyone needs medical attention.
- Remain at the scene and cooperate with first responders. Leaving before authorities arrive can create legal complications.
- Request the incident or report number from responding officers if one is provided.
- Monitor how you feel in the hours following a collision, as some injuries may not be immediately noticeable.
FAQ
Q: What information is typically included in a crash report?
A: A crash report generally lists the date, location, individuals involved, vehicle descriptions, statements from drivers or witnesses, and the investigating officer’s findings.
Q: Why are head-on crashes often so severe?
A: Head-on collisions can be especially serious because the combined force of two vehicles traveling in opposite directions increases the impact, often leading to significant injuries.
Q: What does it mean when a crash is under investigation?
A: It means law enforcement officials are still reviewing evidence, examining vehicle positions, and determining the factors that contributed to the collision before finalizing their report.
Source
Read the original coverage here: original report.
