Beaumont, Texas — The quiet of a Thursday morning was shattered when friends and neighbors learned that 62‑year‑old Terry Bellard had died in a devastating truck accident near the north city limits of Lumberton. What began as another spring morning turned into heartbreak for a tight‑knit community that knew Bellard as a familiar face and steady presence.
Just before 10:40 a.m. on March 19, a southbound flatbed truck overturned on a stretch of road just outside Lumberton’s northern boundary. According to authorities, Bellard was inside the truck when it tipped over. Emergency crews rushed to the scene, but their efforts could not save him. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Police in Lumberton confirmed that no other vehicles or individuals were involved in the crash. There were no other injuries reported. Still, the suddenness of Bellard’s death sent a wave of shock through families and workplaces where he was known and respected.
At this point, investigators have not disclosed what caused the flatbed truck to flip. Law enforcement officials say the probe is ongoing, and they have urged patience as they piece together the moments leading up to the crash.
Bellard’s family has begun a period of mourning, with community members offering support in the face of sudden loss. His laughter, stories, and familiar presence at local events are already being remembered in conversations across Beaumont and beyond.
Those who knew him describe Bellard as a dependable soul with a ready smile. In the hours after news of the crash spread, condolences poured in, reflecting the deep connections he built over decades in the area.
As the investigation continues, friends and loved ones are left to grapple with grief and celebrate the life of a man whose final journey ended much too soon.
