March 20, 2026 - Emergency responders were dispatched to State Highway 7 East on Monday, March 9, 2026, for a two-vehicle crash.
Joaquin Volunteer Fire Department personnel began traffic control at the scene and EMS responded for medical support.
One vehicle involved remained on the westbound shoulder with extensive visible damage to the right rear quarter panel, wheel and passenger side mirror. Another vehicle had traveled down an embankment and through a wooded area before coming to rest in a field on the eastbound side of the roadway.
Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) commenced with investigating the incident while Shelby County Sheriff’s Deputies assisted.
According to the Texas Department of Public Safety, the preliminary crash investigation indicates that at approximately 4:01pm, a white 2022 Ford F-450 driven by Jody Covington, 52, of Joaquin and a white 2016 Ford F-150 driven by Hermilo Luna, 54, of Joaquin were traveling west. DPS reports that Covington failed to control speed and struck the Ford F-150 in the rear.
Covington was transported to Nacogdoches Medical of Center, for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries. Luna was treated on scene and released.
According to DPS, charges are pending further investigation. DPS Trooper Matt Chandler investigated the crash.
This remains an ongoing investigation, and no further information is available at this time.
