Donald Diebel Jr., Marvin Wirtjes, Shirley Wirtjes Killed in Chain-Reaction Crash on U.S 54 near Dalhart
Donald Diebel Jr., Marvin Wirtjes and Shirley Shirley Wirtjes ID’d as 3 Victims Killed in Dalhart Car Crash on U.S 54
Hartley County, Texas (November 6, 2022) – The Texas Department of Public Safety has identified three people who died on Friday morning following a traffic accident in Hartley County as Donald Diebel Jr., 57, of El Paso, Marvin Wirtjes, 81, and Shirley Wirtjes, 79, both of Morris, Minnesota.
The fatal crash happened at around 11:30 a.m. Friday, November 4 on U.S 54, approximately six miles southwest of Dalhart and involved six vehicles.
DPS said a 2023 Freightliner truck tractor semi-trailer was traveling southbound on U.S 54 when it failed to slow or stop in a construction zone and slammed into the back of a 2020 International truck tractor semi-trailer, which then rear-ended a 2018 Ford F-150.
The impact forced the Ford F-150 into the back of a 2019 Peterbilt truck tractor semi-trailer, which then rear-ended a 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee. This caused the Cherokee to rear-end a 2023 Mack truck tractor semi-trailer.
Diebel Jr. who was the driver of the Freightliner truck died at the scene. It remains unclear if he was wearing a seat belt at the time of the accident.
The driver of the Ford F-150, now identified as Marvin Wirtjes, and his passenger, Shirley Wirtjes were also pronounced dead at the scene.
The driver of the Jeep, Michelle Miller, 58, of Dubuque, Iowa, and her passenger, James Miller, 59, of Dubuque, Iowa, sustained minor injuries. Both were taken by ambulance to Coon Memorial Hospital in Dalhart for treatment.
The driver of the International truck, Rasheed Wall, 27, of Carter Lake, Iowa, and a passenger, Akeem Hopkins, 29, of Carter Lake, Iowa were transported to Coon Memorial Hospital in Dalhart with minor injuries.
The driver of the 2023 Mack semi-trailer, Charles Dickens, 63, of Dickens, Tennessee, and the driver of the 2019 Peterbilt were uninjured.
The road conditions were dry and clear and posted speed limit was 65 mph. The Texas Highway Patrol Troopers are investigating the crash.
Common Causes of Automobile Accidents
There are many different reasons why automobile, 18-wheeler, and motorcycle accidents occur, including driver negligence, driver inattention, texting and driving, speeding, fatigue, failure to yield the right of way from a stop sign, or private drive, running a red light, and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. While the factors listed above are the main causes of most accidents, there may also be other factors involved, which is why it’s important that an investigation be conducted before evidence disappears, especially in cases involving a fatality. At Joel A. Gordon & Associates, we will act quickly to secure accident scene photos, interview witnesses, obtain police records, and secure other valuable evidence needed to win your case. Call now for a free consultation.
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