Thomas Ellston Killed in Stratford Motorcycle Accident on US 287

Stratford, Texas (July 1, 2020) – A motorcyclist was killed Monday night in a three-vehicle crash northwest of Stratford, according to Texas DPS.

The fatal crash happened around 11:27 p.m., June 29, on US 287.

DPS said Miguel Salazar-Ramos, 39, of Gustavo Ordaz, Mexico, was driving a 2012 Kenworth Truck tractor towing a semi-trailer, northwest on the highway when he attempted to pass a 2007 Volvo Truck tractor towing a semi-trailer, driven by Jesse Perry of Mesa, 62, of Arizona.

Salazar-Ramos failed to pass to the left safely and hit a 2005 Harley Davidson Motorcycle ridden by 59-year-old Thomas Ellston of Commerce City, Colorado.

The impact caused the motorcycle to spin around, explode, and hit the Volvo’s semi-trailer.

Ellston, who was not wearing a helmet, was pronounced dead at the scene.

Salazar-Ramos, his passenger, 39-year-old Valencia Fernando of El Centro, California, and Perry were uninjured in the crash.

The crash remains under investigation.

We pass our sincere condolences to the family and friends of Thomas Ellston.

Most motorcycle crashes are caused by negligent drivers who don’t keep a proper lookout or fail to yield the right-of-way. Because motorcyclists are vulnerable, their injuries are usually severe, often suffering from road rash, broken bones, brain injuries, amputations, or spinal cord injuries. In some cases, the accident results in death.

If you have lost someone in a motorcycle accident, you should consult our attorneys, at Joel A. Gordon & Associates, who have a history of success in wrongful death claims. To speak with a wrongful death attorney, please  Click to call: 281-943-5555.