Jace Taylor Killed, Devin Hardee, Ashley Wilson and Haley Wilson Injured in Smith County Two-Vehicle Crash on Highway 31

Smith County, Texas (January 14, 2022) – One person was killed and three others were injured Wednesday night in a DWI crash in Smith County, according to the Texas DPS.

The fatal crash happened around 11:45 p.m., January 12, on Highway 31, about 13 miles east of Tyler.

DPS said a 1997 GMC Jimmy had broken down on the highway and two men in the car were attempting to push it.

Gary Nichols, 40, was driving a 2008 Cadillac CTS when he crashed into the Jimmy and the men who were pushing it. One of the men, Jace Taylor, 22, was pronounced dead at the scene. The other man, Devin Hardee, 24, was taken to the hospital in stable condition.

The Jimmy driver, Ashley Wilson, 22, and a third passenger, Haley Wilson, 23, were taken to Tyler hospitals in critical condition. All four people in the Jimmy were from Overton.

Nichols was arrested at the scene and has been charged with intoxicated manslaughter. He has a lengthy criminal history in East Texas, which is highlighted by him being a registered sex offender after being arrested in Rusk County. He was convicted of Indecency with a Child by Exposure in 2015 and sentenced to two years in prison. He also has also been arrested several times in Gregg County.

He was also charged with failing to re-register as a sex offender, which was an annual requirement.

If convicted of intoxicated manslaughter, he faces up to 20 years in prison.

An investigation is underway.

Common Causes of Automobile Accidents

There are many different reasons why automobile 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 Click to call: 281-943-5555 now for a free consultation.