NEW SUMMERFIELD —
Four Palestine men were killed in a three-vehicle wreck in Cherokee County Saturday morning after veering out of their lane on U.S. 79 into oncoming traffic.
According to reports from the Texas Department of Public Safety, the wreck took place just before 8 a.m. Saturday near Cherokee County Road 1409 between Jacksonville and New Summerfield, leaving a large portion of U.S. 79 closed for eight hours.
One of the vehicles, a Chevy Impala traveling in the southbound lane on U.S. 79 veered into the northbound lane, sideswiping a Chevy Blazer before hitting an 18-wheeler head on.
The driver of the Impala, Michael Estrada, 23, and all three passengers — identified as Christian Chavez, 24, Saul Mancera, 22, and Jaime Benitez — were pronounced dead at the scene.
All four men had Palestine driver’s licenses.
Officials reported that the four had been returning home from a trip to Shreveport. Some alcohol was found in the vehicle and may have been involved, but troopers report that extreme fatigue was the most likely cause.
The investigation is ongoing, with the bodies of the men having been sent off for an autopsy.
The drivers of the blazer and 18-wheeler were uninjured.
Funeral services for Chavez have been set for 2 p.m. Saturday at Evangelistic Temple, with services for Estrada set at 10 a.m. Saturday at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Palestine — both under the direction of Herrington/Land of Memory Funeral Home.
Funeral services for Mancera and Benitez are pending at McCoy Funeral Home in Palestine.
Mary Rainwater may be reached via e-mail at mrainwater@palestineherald.com
Local News
Four Palestine men dead in three-vehicle collision on Highway 79
- Local News
-
-
Boil water notice issued for Elkhart residents
A boil water notice has been issued for City of Elkhart residents. It reads as follows:
Due to a water main line break, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) has required our water system, City of Elkhart PWS id 0010005, to notify customers of the need to boil their water prior to consumption. -
Reagan Park Spray ground to open Saturday
The City of Palestine Parks and Recreation Department will kick off the first full season for the Reagan Park Spray Ground with an public opening event this Saturday.
-
Annual Bluegrass Music Festival begins today at Salmon Lake
Bluegrass bands from across the country will descend upon the Grapeland area this week for the 16th Annual Memorial Day Weekend Bluegrass Music Festival, opening today and continuing through Sunday at Salmon Lake Park.
-
Healthy cooking program offered
The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service in Palestine is offering a four-week program starting this Thursday to help diabetics make healthy cooking choices.
-
Steps of Faith Dance Center production Saturday
Steps of Faith Dance Center will hold its annual production at 7 p.m. Saturday at the Palestine Civic Center.
“We’re going to take you to a land far away and tell you the ‘real’ story of some of your favorite fairy tale characters,” Steps of Faith Dance Center owner Jennifer Ballew said. “The production is full of lively fun music, a reminiscing ol’ Granny, and of course the incredible dancing of several talented students.” -
Chamber sets photo contest
The Palestine Area Chamber of Commerce is seeking shutterbugs to participate in its second annual photo contest — portraying structures, landmarks and memorable locations in the Palestine/Anderson County area.
-
Memorial Day celebration set Saturday
The Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3907 will hold a Memorial Day celebration on Saturday featuring barbecue, live music, an auction and more.
-
Longview man injured in motorcycle wreck
A Longview man remained in fair condition in a Tyler hospital Monday following a one-vehicle motorcycle wreck Friday near Montalba on Texas 19.
-
Traffic stop leads to arrest
A Palestine man remained in jail Monday on drug-related charges following a suspicious vehicle stop in Anderson County on Saturday.
According to Sheriff Greg Taylor, while on patrol in the early morning hours on Saturday, deputy Johnny Gorden saw a suspicious vehicle sitting on the side of U.S. 287 between Palestine and Elkhart. -
Residents urged to welcome back local troops on Wednesday
Palestine area residents are asked to help welcome back the local National Guard troops, which will be coming by bus to the National Guard Armory in Palestine at about 3 p.m. Wednesday.
- More Local News Headlines
-
Boil water notice issued for Elkhart residents
Obama Defends Drone Strikes, With Limits
Raw: Jurors Deadlock on Jodi Arias Penalty
Boy Scouts Decision "First Step" Say Activists
Raw: Utah Teen Arrested in Death of His Brothers
Closer Look at Okla. School Where Children Died
Two Suspects in Murder Known to London Police
Boy Scouts Mom Supports Gay Inclusiveness
"Be Ready": NOAA Warns of Busy Hurricane Season
SeaWorld: Penguins Are Coolest Thing in Florida
Obama Renews Call to Close Gitmo
Obama Offers Drone Strike Defense
Raw: Heckler Interrupts Obama on Guantanamo
A Slice of Apple History Up for Grabs
