A 44-year-old Cleveland woman was killed early Friday morning after losing control of her vehicle on the wet roadway along U.S. 59 north in Cleveland.
The crash occurred at 3:23 a.m. Friday, Aug. 28, on the northbound lanes of U.S. 59 between Fostoria and the San Jacinto River, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety.
Troopers said a black 2007 BMW was traveling northbound at an unsafe speed when the driver lost control on the wet pavement. The vehicle struck the concrete center divider multiple times with both the front driver’s side and front passenger side before coming to a stop.
The female driver was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash, according to DPS.
She was pronounced dead at the scene by Pct. 6 Justice of the Peace Ralph Fuller, who ordered an autopsy. Her body was transported to Beaumont for examination. Her name will be released Friday evening, Aug. 28.
Trooper Brittany Sherman investigated the crash with assistance by Sgt. Rob Willoughby, supervisor for the Liberty County office of the Texas Department of Public Safety. The Liberty County Sheriff’s Office and Cleveland Volunteer Fire Department also responded.
Investigators believe alcohol may have been a contributing factor, but toxicology results are pending. The investigation remains ongoing.
The crash temporarily blocked one northbound lane while emergency crews worked the scene. Traffic was able to continue through the area during the investigation.
The fatality marks another deadly crash in what has been an especially tragic month on Liberty County roadways, where multiple fatal traffic accidents have claimed lives in recent weeks.