Jesus Ayala, Ezequiel Villanueva Obituary, Death – Two men lost their lives in a crash early Friday morning in Cherokee County involving a pickup truck and an 18-wheeler, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS).
The fatal collision occurred around 5:35 a.m. on U.S. Highway 69, near County Road 2745. Authorities say that a northbound 18-wheeler unexpectedly veered across the center median and into the southbound lane, directly into the path of an oncoming pickup truck.
The pickup was driven by 48-year-old Jesus Ayala, with 49-year-old Ezequiel Villanueva riding as a passenger. According to DPS Sgt. Chris Williamson, the 18-wheeler struck the pickup truck on the driver’s side, causing the vehicle to overturn and land upside down in a ditch beside the road. Both Ayala and Villanueva were pronounced dead at the scene.
Amber Hood, Justice of the Peace for Cherokee County Precinct 2, confirmed the identities of the two deceased men and stated that Ayala was behind the wheel, while Villanueva was in the passenger seat.
The driver and passenger of the 18-wheeler were also transported to a nearby hospital for treatment. The extent of their injuries has not been disclosed at this time, and their names have not yet been released.
The cause of the crash is still under investigation. Authorities have not yet determined why the 18-wheeler crossed the median into oncoming traffic. Investigators from the DPS are currently gathering evidence and conducting interviews to better understand what led to the deadly accident.
This tragic incident has raised concerns about safety on U.S. Highway 69, a frequently traveled route in Cherokee County. The early morning crash led to temporary closures and delays as emergency personnel worked to clear the scene and attend to the victims.
No charges have been filed, and law enforcement is awaiting the outcome of the ongoing investigation to determine whether any criminal or traffic violations occurred. Toxicology testing and vehicle inspections are expected to be part of the standard investigative process.
The loss of Ayala and Villanueva has deeply impacted their families and the surrounding community. Friends and relatives are mourning the sudden and tragic deaths of the two men, who were reportedly traveling together at the time of the accident.
As DPS continues its investigation, authorities are encouraging any witnesses or individuals with information about the crash to come forward. Meanwhile, the community reflects on the dangers posed by early morning travel and the importance of safe driving practices, particularly for operators of large commercial vehicles like 18-wheelers.
Further updates will be provided as the investigation develops and more details become available regarding the crash and those involved.