Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) Troopers responded to a fatal three-vehicle crash on U.S. Highway 79.
The crash involved a white 2008 Dodge Ram 3500 dual-wheel pickup truck towing a black 2007 homemade utility trailer, operated by a 60-year-old male from Lufkin, Texas, traveling eastbound on U.S. 79. A 2019 Ford Escape, operated by 18-year-old Cooper Andrew Elsik of Georgetown, Texas, with a 17-year-old female passenger, was traveling westbound on U.S. 79.
According to the investigating Trooper, the Dodge Ram failed to maintain a single lane of travel and crossed into the westbound lane, directly into the path of the Ford Escape. The Dodge struck the Ford, resulting in a major chain-reaction collision. Upon impact, the Ford lost control and collided with a 2026 Infiniti QX60 that was traveling behind the Dodge Ram. The Infiniti was occupied by three individuals, all of whom were transported to Baylor Scott & White Hospital with serious injuries.
Elsik and his 17-year-old passenger were pronounced deceased at the scene by Precinct 4 Justice of the Peace David Yarbrough at 7:19 p.m. Next of kin have been notified.
The crash investigation remains active and ongoing. For a complete copy of this crash report, please visit Texas.gov.