Fernando Martinez and Julia Martinez Killed in Smith County Five-Vehicle Crash on State Highway 31

Smith County, Texas (November 11, 2021) – Two people were killed, and two others were injured Tuesday afternoon in a five-vehicle crash in Smith County, according to the troopers.

The fatal crash happened around 3:10 p.m., November 9, on State Highway 31, about four miles east of Tyler.

Troopers said Julia R. Martinez, 33, of Tyler, was driving a 2015 Nissan Altima eastbound on the highway and was being followed by a 2013 Ford F-150 driven by John Kincheloe, 32, of Tyler, and a 2008 Chevrolet Avalanche driven by Tanya R. Garza, 36, of Van.

Dillon M. Dowdy, 30, of Tyler, was driving a 2007 Dodge Ram westbound while Billy Walker Jr., 48, of Tyler, was driving a 2017 Ford F-150 also westbound.

The Altima slowed down, causing the 2013 Ford to take evasive action, and it sideswiped the Altima as it passed on the right side. The Avalanche rear-ended the Altima, pushing it into the westbound lane where the Dodge Ram struck it. The Avalanche also went into the westbound lane, where the 2017 Ford struck it. Julia Martinez and her passenger, Fernando Martinez, 14, were pronounced dead at the scene.

Dowdy and Garza were taken to UT-Health East Texas -Tyler for treatment.

Kincheloe and Walker were uninjured in the crash.

The troopers are investigating the crash.

Common Causes of Automobile Accidents

While there are many causes of car accidents, the most common reasons of driver negligence include driver inattention; cell phone use; 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 while under the influence of alcohol or drugs,” Attorney Joel A. Gordon said. Mr. Gordon believes that an independent investigation is important. An Attorney will help obtain the crash report, secure accident photos, interview witnesses, and create a claim.

To speak with an attorney, Click to call: 281-943-5555.