The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) was called to a 3 vehicle crash that occurred Saturday in Armstrong County, resulting in the death of one person.
At approximately 9:45 a.m., Michael Hart, 23, of Provo, Utah., was driving a 2003 Honda Odyssey mini-van westbound on US-287 approximately 6 miles west of Claude. Ross Rizzo, 61, of Mesquite, Texas was the driver of a 2000 Ford F-150 pickup truck that was an escort vehicle for a wide load. Christopher Ellis, 30, of Cleburne, Texas was the driver of a 2014 Peterbilt truck tractor towing a 2016 Aspen heavy equipment semi-trailer. Ellis and Cleburne had their vehicles legally parked facing westbound on US-287 in the left turning lane. Ellis and Cleburne exited their vehicles to inspect the load on the semi-trailer when the Honda Odyssey crashed into the rear end of the Ford pickup truck. The Ford pickup truck was forced forward and ran over Rizzo, causing his death. The Ford pick-up truck then collided into the rear end of the heavy equipment semi-trailer and traveled into the center median where it caught fire. After crashing into the rear end of the Ford pickup truck, the Honda Odyssey mini-van collided into the rear end of the heavy equipment semi-trailer and then traveled into the westbound lanes of travel where it caught fire.
Rizzo was pronounced dead on scene by Armstrong County Justice of the Peace, Dianne Samaniego.
Ellis was not injured.
Hart and passenger, Tayla Hart, 23, of Provo, Utah were transported to the hospital where they are being treated for their injuries.
Michael and Tayla Hart were both wearing seat belts.
The road conditions were dry and no other vehicles were involved.
(News release from the Texas DPS in Amarillo)
