Texas DPS officers were called to an accident before 8:00 a.m. Wednesday in Lubbock County. A vehicle and a bicyclist collided at County Road 1240 and FM 41, which is south of Wolfforth.
DPS provided an update a couple hours after the accident to say the victim was J. David Nelson. Nelson was the Republican candidate for Lubbock County Court at Law #3. Nelson was also a City Councilman from 1997 – 2002 according to his law firm’s website.
Nelson graduated from the Texas Tech law school in 1976. He had previously earned a bachelor’s degree at Tech in 1973.
“A bicyclist was traveling west bound on FM 41, when a Ford pickup traveling also west bound struck the bicyclist from behind,” DPS said. “The driver of the Ford pickup was not injured and has been identified as Rocky Wilson, 37, also of Lubbock”
DPS also said the accident remains under investigation.
Early Wednesday afternoon, the family of David Nelson released a statement via Covenant Health:
“We want to thank everyone for the out pouring of support we are receiving during this tragic time. We are still in shock and working to process what happened. David was a beloved member of our Lubbock community and we know many of you will miss him as much as we will. We will be ready to talk more about David and celebrate his life soon. In the meantime we ask for your continued prayers as we mourn this unexpected loss.”
Late Wednesday morning, the City of Lubbock issued the following statement:
STATEMENT FROM THE CITY OF LUBBOCK
The City of Lubbock is saddened by the sudden loss of former City Councilman David Nelson. We are grateful for his years of service to our city and appreciate his continued desire to serve the public.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Nelson family during this difficult time.
Congressman Jodey Arrington of Lubbock released the following statement:
“My heart is broken over the loss of my dear friend and former Lubbock City Councilman, David Nelson, and for his wife Ainsley. David was one of the most kind, thoughtful, and loyal people I’ve ever known. He was passionate about his family; baseball and physical fitness; and serving Lubbock, Texas. My thoughts are with Ainsley, Jack, Jill, and his entire family, as I cannot fathom their grief. There are those who talk about their faith and others who just quietly and diligently live it. David was the latter, and I’m confident the Lord has reserved a special place in heaven for him.”
The Lubbock County Commissioner’s Court said:
Lubbock County is saddened by the sudden loss of David Nelson. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Nelson family, his many friends and colleagues.
David was a leader in our Community and a highly respected attorney. He was the Republican candidate for Judge of the Lubbock County Court at Law #3 for the upcoming November General Election. The leadership of the Lubbock County Republican Party will nominate the candidate to fill this untimely opening.
The mayor released this statement:
Lubbock lost a great man this morning. Judge-elect David Nelson was a good friend. He served
our community well in many roles, including his time on our City Council. I will remember his
encouragement, his laugh, and his love for baseball.
Denise and I extend our sympathies and prayers to his wife and our friend, Ainsley, and to his
family.
