Rusk County, TX (June 15, 2026) – A woman was killed, and two others were left in critical condition after a three-vehicle crash on Saturday afternoon, June 13, at the intersection of FM 1639 and FM 3053 in Rusk County.
According to the Texas Department of Public Safety, the collision occurred around 3:11 p.m. Official information said a 22-year-old Tanner Griffin Templeton of Hallsville was traveling westbound on FM 1639 when he failed to stop at a stop sign and entered the intersection.
Authorities reported that Templeton’s vehicle struck a pickup driven by Tracey Fears, who was traveling northbound on FM 3053. The impact pushed Fears’ vehicle into the path of an oncoming southbound pickup, resulting in a head-on collision. Tracey Fears was pronounced dead at the scene. Two passengers in her vehicle, identified as Stephanie Fears and Braden Fears, suffered serious injuries and were airlifted to a hospital for treatment.
Responding troopers reported signs of impairment from Templeton at the scene. He was later arrested and charged with intoxication manslaughter and intoxication assault. Troopers continue to investigate the crash. Our sympathy goes out to Tracey Fears’s loved ones.
How Failure to Stop at Intersections Can Lead to Multi-Vehicle Crashes
Intersections are among the most dangerous locations on rural roadways because vehicles approach from multiple directions at varying speeds. When a driver fails to stop at a posted stop sign, crossing traffic may have little opportunity to avoid a collision.
These crashes can become even more severe when the initial impact pushes a vehicle into another lane. Secondary collisions often increase the risk of serious injury because additional vehicles become involved. Investigators reviewing these incidents typically examine traffic controls, vehicle speeds, driver actions, and roadway evidence to determine how the crash unfolded. When impairment is suspected, toxicology testing and observations made at the scene may also become part of the investigation.
