One killed in two-vehicle collision on U.S. Highway 59

Special to the News-Times

SHEPHERD —A two-vehicle crash on U.S Highway 59 on Saturday claimed the life of a Liverpool man.

According to reports from the Texas Department of Public Safety, Phillip Marone, 57, was pronounced dead at the scene the crash, which occurred three miles south of Shepherd. 

The report indicates that at 2:14 p.m., a 2003 Ford Expedition, driven by Marone, was traveling southbound on U.S. 59. A 2020 Mazda M3, driven by Coby Duncan, 22, of Shepherd, was traveling northbound. 

Marone’s vehicle suffered a tire blowout on the left rear of the vehicle causing it to roll across the center median into the northbound lane, striking the Mazda on the driver’s side. 

Marone was pronounced dead at the scene by San Jacinto County Justice of the Peace Harris Blanchette. 

Duncan was transported to HCA Hospital for non-life-threatening injuries. Additionally, there were multiple passengers in the Mazda: Maria Garcia, age and address unknown, was transported to HCA Hospital for non-life-threatening injuries; and two girls, a 1-year-old and 2-year-old, also were transported to HCA Hospital for non-life-threatening injuries. 

This crash remains under investigation.