Athens, Texas — A Tuesday afternoon (01/07/2014) two-vehicle accident just west of Athens (in Henderson County) has claimed the life of one man, and hospitalized three others.
60-year-old Edward Sparkman, of Mabank, was driving his 2007 Ford pickup truck eastbound on Highway 175 at about 1:45 p.m. when he attempted to pass a 2000 Lincoln Town Car driven by 64-year-old Billy “Blue” Edwards, of Balch Springs. Police say Mr. Sparkman changed lanes in an “unsafe manner,” forcing Mr. Blue Edwards’ to drive onto the highway median. Its reported that Edwards then reentered the roadway, colliding with Mr. Sparkman’s truck.
Billy “Blue” Edwards was pronounced dead at the scene of the accident at 1:51 p.m. His passenger, 53-year-old Vickie Reynya (also of Balch Springs) was transported to East Texas Medical Center (ETMC) in Athens, and is listed in stable condition. Edward Sparkman was reportedly transported to ETMC Tyler in serious condition. Mr. Sparkman’s passenger, 43-year-old Raymond Joiner of Tool, was taken to ETMC Athens, and was listed in stable condition.
Texas DPS reports that all occupants were wearing their seat belts.
