Just after 2:30 p.m. Friday Martha McHaney, 65, of Cleveland was northbound on Interstate 69 between FM 2090 and East River in Splendora. For yet unknown reasons she left the roadway, traveled across the right shoulder, and struck an 18-wheeler tanker which was parked on the side of the road. Her left front impacted the right rear or the 18-wheeler breaking the tanker’s rear axle and killing McHaney instantly.
According to DPS Sgt. Leitner, Derrick Jones of Houston was northbound in his 18-wheeler when a rock was thrown up and shattered his rear window. Jones pulled off to the side of the road. Behind the truck, he placed not only his emergency reflectors as required by law but also orange cones. His emergency flashers were on and he was well off the moving lane of traffic. Jones called his company and was told to remain at the location for a service truck to arrive.
Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office along with Splendora Police Department assisted DPS with traffic control. With the Interstate closed northbound Splendora quickly gridlocked as drivers attempted to navigate around the scene.
Justice of the Peace James Metts pronounced McHaney dead at the scene and ordered Eickenhorst Funeral Directors to transport her to the Montgomery County Forensic Center for autopsy.
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