ORANGE COUNTY, TX (09/17/2017) — The driver of a pickup truck caused a motorcycle accident on Highway 12 Sunday afternoon, which has claimed the lives of two Buna residents.
Cory Menard & Chelsea Miller (Source: Facebook)
According to investigators, Menard was operating a 1998 Yamaha motorcycle with Miller riding as a passenger. As the couple was traveling westbound on SH 12, the driver of a 2004 Dodge pickup truck pulled onto SH 12 from Woodridge Drive, causing the motorcycle to strike the left front panel of the pickup truck. Both vehicles caught fire upon impact.
Tragically Cory Menard was pronounced deceased at the scene by Justice of the Peace Joy Dubose-Simonton. Chelsea Miller was initially transported via air ambulance (CareFlite) to Christus Southeast Texas Hospital St. Elizabeth in serious condition, but unfortunately succumbed to her injuries late Sunday night.
Commentary
We see far too many motorcycle accidents caused by another driver’s failure to yield right of way in Texas. Our thoughts go out to those affected by this tragic accident, and we hope that everyone reading this story makes a conscious effort to always look twice for motorcyclists. When operating a motor vehicle, you must understand that one momentary lapse of judgment can have tragic consequences.
According to the Department of Public Safety, no charges have been filed against the at-fault river in this case as of yet, but it’s important to understand that the investigation is not over. We will continue to update this story as more information is released.
