Tiffany Sammons, Ashley Martin, Teen Killed in Auto Accident on US-69 near Alba, TX
Alba, TX — January 7, 2023, Tiffany Sammons, Ashley Martin, and a teen died in an auto accident on U.S. Highway 69 in Wood County.
Authorities say the incident happened around 9:25 p.m. along US-69 near County Road 1605, just outside Alba. Preliminary investigation suggests Sammons was driving a Hyundai Santa Fe southeast on the highway as Martin drove a Ford Explorer northwest nearby. Investigators believe Sammons crossed over the center line for unknown reasons and crashed head-on with the Explorer at the crest of a hill in the road. A Dodge pickup truck then reportedly crashed into the Ford a second time.
Sammons, 39, Martin, 44, and a 16-year-old in the Ford were fatally injured in the crash. The Dodge driver was unhurt.
No further information is currently available.
One thing I've learned over the years is how quickly folks may jump to conclusions after reading just a few preliminary details. Consider the wreck outside Alba: Reports say one vehicle crossed left of center but can't really explain why, so until facts and evidence can do so it's best to keep an open mind and withhold judgment. Investigators are hopefully working hard to figure out whether any of dozens of possible factors—some within a driver's control, some very much out of it—were involved.
I don't know more than anyone else about what happened near Alba, but I think most would agree that the terrible loss of life there makes finding out the facts a top priority. The people who lost loved ones that night most likely have many questions that need clear answers as soon as possible; I hope authorities will make it a priority to provide those.
