Debby Jean Austin Dies In 4-Vehicle Crash

A Nacogdoches woman driving the wrong way on U.S. 59 hitting three other vehicles was killed Friday morning.

The victim of the fatal crash was identified as 52-year-old Debby Jean Austin.

According to a Department of Public Safety report, Austin was driving south on US 59 in a Ford Taurus when she crossed the median for an unknown reason and sideswiped a 2011 Mazda car. She continued moving south in the northbound lanes and struck the second vehicle, a 2004 Saturn.The final collision with a 2005 Chevrolet 1500 truck driven by Lester Gold, 53, of Lufkin knocked Austin’s vehicle into the center median.

Austin was pronounced dead at the scene at 8:30 a.m. by a Nacogdoches justice of the peace.

Gold suffered serious injuries from the crash and was taken to a Nacogdoches hospital.

Jamietra Hennington of Nacogdoches, the driver of the Saturn was treated at a Nacogdoches hospital for seatbelt burns.

The driver of the Mazda, Verna Sowler, 49, of Lufkin, was able to drive away from the scene of the accident.

Everyone involved in the crash were wearing their seat belts, the DPS said.