Summer Martelli Obituary, Death – A fatal crash near the city of Jewett on Monday afternoon claimed the life of a Leon County woman, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS). Authorities identified the victim as 65-year-old Summer Martelli of Marquez, whose vehicle collided with a dump truck on Farm-to-Market Road 39.
The wreck occurred just after 4:00 p.m. on FM 39, north of U.S. Highway 79. Investigators reported that Martelli had been driving a 2021 Mitsubishi Mirage northbound when, for reasons still under review, she crossed into the southbound lanes. In doing so, her car sideswiped a dump truck heading the opposite direction.
The impact of the collision was severe. DPS officials said Martelli’s vehicle veered off the roadway and rolled several times before coming to rest in a ditch. Despite the immediate arrival of emergency responders, Martelli was pronounced dead at the scene.
The dump truck, meanwhile, also left the roadway following the crash and eventually came to a stop in a nearby field. Fortunately, the truck’s driver escaped the incident without injuries. While investigators continue to determine the exact cause of the crash, no other vehicles were involved.
The sudden loss of Martelli has deeply affected her family and community. A fundraising page created to support her loved ones shed light on the woman behind the tragedy. Described as a devoted mother of one and grandmother of three, Martelli was remembered not only for her love of family but also for her passion for animals.
Her family shared heartfelt words, noting that she had a lifelong devotion to caring for animals, especially those in need. “She would take any stray animal off the street and give them a welcome and loving home,” the family wrote. “There was little more she loved more than animals besides her family.”
Martelli’s affection for animals was rooted in her upbringing. She grew up on a ranch where her father, a well-renowned horse trainer, inspired her to develop a love for horses at an early age. Over time, that bond grew into a lifestyle centered around protecting and caring for animals, a passion that remained constant throughout her life.
The tragedy highlights once again the dangers of rural highways, where two-way traffic and higher speeds often contribute to devastating accidents. FM 39, like many Farm-to-Market roads in Texas, sees heavy use from both personal vehicles and commercial trucks. When vehicles cross into opposing lanes, the results are often fatal.
For DPS troopers and local first responders, the scene was another sobering reminder of the risks drivers face on these roadways. Investigators will continue to analyze evidence from the crash, including roadway conditions, vehicle performance, and any possible distractions or medical factors, to determine why Martelli’s car entered the southbound lanes. At this time, there has been no indication of impairment.
While the investigation proceeds, Martelli’s family and friends are left to grieve her sudden passing. Tributes shared online emphasize her kindness, her generosity, and the way she lived her life in service to others and the creatures she cherished. Her death is not only a loss for her immediate family but also for the broader community that knew her as a compassionate and giving person.
As her loved ones prepare to lay her to rest, the memory of her devotion—to her child, grandchildren, and animals—will continue to live on. The crash serves as a tragic reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of road safety, particularly on rural Texas highways.
