The quiet stretch of U.S. Highway 82 west of De Kalb turned tragic Friday night when a chain of crashes claimed the life of a longtime East Texas resident. Authorities say 70-year-old Connie Stevens of Avery died at the scene after her vehicle crossed into oncoming traffic and collided with several vehicles along the busy rural highway.
Troopers with the Texas Department of Public Safety responded to the crash around 8 p.m. on March 6 in Bowie County. Investigators say multiple vehicles were involved in the collision, which happened on the westbound side of the highway just outside the small town of De Kalb.
According to preliminary findings, Stevens was driving a white 2000 Toyota Corolla westbound when the car suddenly drifted out of its lane. For reasons investigators are still trying to determine, the vehicle crossed into the eastbound lanes and struck several vehicles traveling in the opposite direction.
The impact set off a chaotic scene along the highway as emergency crews rushed in to help those involved. Authorities confirmed that Stevens was pronounced dead at the scene. For her family and the small community of Avery, the sudden loss has left a heavy silence.
Other drivers caught in the crash were injured but survived. Officials say two drivers suffered injuries and were transported to a nearby hospital. A child riding as a passenger in one of the vehicles was also hurt and taken for medical treatment. Authorities have not publicly released information about their conditions.
Troopers spent hours working the crash site Friday night, documenting evidence and clearing the damaged vehicles from the roadway. The investigation remains active as officials attempt to determine exactly what caused Stevens’ car to leave its lane.
Serious crashes like this are not uncommon along rural highways where traffic moves fast and visibility can shift quickly. Officials often remind drivers to stay alert, avoid distractions, and maintain safe speeds, especially on two-lane highways where a single mistake can quickly become deadly.
For now, investigators continue piecing together the final moments leading up to the collision. In the meantime, the loss of Connie Stevens stands as a painful reminder of how quickly an ordinary drive down a Texas highway can turn into heartbreak.
