De Berry, TX (June 26, 2026) – Two people lost their lives early on Thursday, June 25, after a semi-truck left the roadway and struck a tree along US Highway 79 at FM 31 in the DeBerry community. The fatal incident happened at about 4:20 a.m.
According to preliminary information, the 18-wheeler was traveling south when it entered the northbound lane before colliding with the tree. The truck caught fire following the collision. The driver, 57-year-old Roy Allen Joshlin Jr., and passenger, 66-year-old Timothy Wayne Snider, were both pronounced dead at the scene.
No other vehicles were involved. The affected portion of US Highway 79 remained closed for an extended period while crews completed cleanup operations.
Investigators continue working to determine what led to the crash. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the families and loved ones of Roy Allen Joshlin Jr. and Timothy Wayne Snider.
What Is Reviewed After a Single-Vehicle Semi-Truck Crash?
Single-vehicle crashes involving commercial trucks require a detailed examination due to the vehicles’ size and weight. Investigators typically review the roadway, the truck’s path of travel, and physical evidence to better understand the sequence of events. Additional findings may become available as the examination progresses.
Mechanical systems, roadway conditions, and information recorded by the truck may also be evaluated during the review. Tire marks, damage to nearby objects, and the vehicle’s final position can provide valuable insight into how the collision unfolded. When a fire follows a commercial truck crash, investigators may also examine burn patterns and vehicle components to determine how the fire developed after the initial impact.
