Jeffrey Lynn Nevarez, Jr Obituary, Death – A tragic head-on collision that occurred east of Gatesville on Thursday night claimed the life of a 21-year-old man from Waco. Authorities have identified the deceased as Jeffrey Lynn Nevarez, Jr.
According to Sergeant Bryan Washko of the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), the crash happened at approximately 9:39 p.m. along U.S. Highway 84, roughly five miles east of Gatesville in Coryell County.
The investigation revealed that Nevarez was driving a 2021 Kia Stinger traveling eastbound on Highway 84. At the same time, a 2024 Dodge Ram truck, which was pulling a livestock trailer, was heading westbound on the same road.
For reasons that remain unclear, Nevarez’s vehicle veered across the center dividing line and entered the westbound lane. This caused a direct, head-on collision with the oncoming Dodge Ram truck. The impact was severe, and Nevarez suffered fatal injuries.
Emergency responders pronounced him dead at the scene of the crash. There has been no information released regarding any injuries to the driver of the Dodge truck or if there were any other passengers or animals in the trailer at the time.
Investigators from the Department of Public Safety are continuing to look into the incident in order to determine what caused Nevarez’s vehicle to cross into oncoming traffic. No contributing factors such as speeding, distraction, or impairment have yet been confirmed.
Highway 84 remained closed for some time as officials worked at the scene to clear the wreckage and conduct a thorough investigation. The closure disrupted traffic temporarily in the area but was necessary to ensure a full examination of the crash site.
Jeffrey Lynn Nevarez, Jr’s sudden death has undoubtedly shaken his family and local community in Waco. He was just 21 years old and at the beginning stages of adulthood, with his future ahead of him. As investigations proceed, loved ones will be seeking answers about what led to such a devastating crash.
This fatal accident highlights once again the dangers of head-on collisions, especially on highways with high-speed limits and limited barriers between lanes. Even a momentary loss of control or misjudgment can result in irreversible consequences.
Authorities continue to urge drivers to remain alert, avoid distractions, and follow traffic regulations at all times—especially on two-lane highways like U.S. 84.
No additional information has been released at this time, and the DPS has not confirmed whether charges will be filed or if any citations were issued in relation to the crash.
Anyone with information about the incident is encouraged to contact the Department of Public Safety or local law enforcement as they continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding this tragic event.
