Mary Grooms Killed, Mikaela Brooks and Irene Cramer Injured in Smith County 5-Vehicle Crash on SH 31

Smith County, Texas (March 3, 2022) – A woman was killed Monday afternoon in a five-vehicle crash in Smith County, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety.

The fatal crash happened around 1:20 p.m., February 28, on State Highway 31, about two and a half miles west of Tyler.

DPS said Mary Grooms, 70, of Murchison, was driving a 2007 Infiniti G35 westbound in the inside lane of the highway approaching a red light.

28-year-old Mikaela Brooks of Ben Wheeler was driving a 2019 Nissan Rogue and was stopped at a red light in front of Grooms. A 2021 GMC Acadia, driven by 38-year-old Sara Turner of Chandler, was also stopped at the red light in front of Brooks. A 2020 BMW X5, driven by 51-year-old Zena Hubby of Double Oak, was stopped at the red light in front of Turner.

Grooms failed to control her speed and crashed into the Nissan. The impact caused the Nissan to hit the GMC before sliding into the center median.

The GMC then hit the BMW, causing both to stop in the middle of the roadway. 

Grooms’s car spun into the outside lane, where it hit a 2016 Hyundai Elantra driven by 71-year-old Irene Cramer. 

Grooms was taken to a Tyler hospital, where she later died.

Brooks and Cramer were taken to a local hospital with non-incapacitating injuries.

The others were treated and released at the scene.

The crash remains under investigation.

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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