Jose Baeza, Maribel Padilla, Ronald Stooksberry and Emilio Reyes ID’d as 4 Killed in Crane County Crash Crane County Crash on State Highway 115

Crane County, Texas (September 6, 2022) – Authorities have identified the four people who died following a head-on crash on Thursday evening in Crane County as Jose Luis Baeza, 34, of Andrews, Maribel Padilla, 35, of Hobbs, N.M., Ronald Wayne Stooksberry, 67 of San Angelo, and Emilio Reyes, 35, of Terrell.

The deadly crash happened at about 6:45 p.m. Thursday, September 1, on State Highway 115.

According to the Texas Department of Public Safety, Baeza was driving a Ford F-250 southbound on State Highway 115 when the vehicle hydroplaned and drifted into the opposite lanes, where it collided head-on with a Ford F-350 driven by Stooksberry.

Baeza, who was wearing a seat belt, was transported to Winkler County Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. One of his passengers, Padilla, 35, who was not wearing a seat belt, was pronounced dead at the scene. Two other passengers, who were restrained, a 16-year-old girl and a 7-month-old boy, both of Wink, were transported to the hospital with serious injuries.

Stooksberry was pronounced dead at the scene. One of his passengers, Reyes, was transported to Medical Center Hospital, where he was declared dead.

Three other passengers, two of whom were wearing seat belts, were transported to MCH in serious condition.

Additional information is not available at this time.

An investigation into the crash is ongoing.

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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