Trinity County News 2

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High, fast-running water in the area of Piney Creek Road claimed the life of a Corrigan man on Wednesday. Courtesy photo

By Tony Farkas
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The rains throughout Trinity County over the last week cause flooding with led to the death of a Corrigan man, as well as numerous washed-out roadways.

The county received just under 13 inches of rain on average over the week, while the monthly average is around 2.5 inches.

On Wednesday night, Roy Beauchamp, 74, of Corrigan, was found dead after being taken by flood waters in the area of Piney Creek Road and FM 287.

A report from the Trinity County Sheriff’s Office states they were notified on Wednesday that multiple cars were stranded in high water, and that Beauchamp was missing.

The report states that the victim attempted to return to his vehicle to retrieve some items.

Several agencies, including the Groveton Volunteer Fire Department and Texas Game and Fish, joined in to search for the missing man. The body was found just before midnight in swift water and retrieved. He was pronounced dead by Justice of the Peace Richard Steptoe.

According to Trinity Fire Chief Keith Johnson, heavy rain caused flooding on FM 356 at Cowboy Church, causing two trees down at Arndts Lane which were blocking traffic. 

At same time a large tree fell across Highway 19 at Ramey Street blocking traffic, and firefighters cut up both trees and removed them with help from Trinity Public Works, Johnson said. While returning from Arndts Lane a small car stalled out in the water and was pushed against the curb.

The Trinity school district closed on Jan. 23, and delayed start on Wednesday. Additionally, school buses will be unable to pick up children for at least two weeks in the Lake L subdivision. In Groveton, Centerville and Apple Springs, weather prompted the schools to have a late start on Wednesday.

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(Above) Trinity firefighters assisted an adult and two children following a rollover crash on Monday afternoon. A Trinity resident was injured after the Toyota Tundra he was driving collided with a guardrail on Saturday.

TRINITY COUNTY – The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) Troopers investigated a crash on Farm-to-Market Road 356, near Trinity Cove Road, that occurred Saturday.

The preliminary crash investigation indicates that at approximately 11:04 p.m., a 2008 Toyota Tundra was traveling east. It is reported that the driver failed to negotiate a curve safely, causing the pickup to travel across the westbound lane, where he struck a guardrail.

Trinity Fire Chief Keith Johnson said the car had rolled several times after colliding with the guardrail.

He said Trinity Fire & Rescue responded to provide traffic control, and Ventura EMS arrived for medical service.

The driver, 25-year-old Stephen Dowdell of Trinity, was transported to Huntsville Memorial Hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.

On Monday, firefighters were alerted to a crash at approximately 5 p.m. in the Pinecrest subdivision of Trinity.

Johnson said the report stated a vehicle was in a ravine and three people were inside.

He said when emergency personnel arrived, the driver and two children, who were not identified, were able to escape the vehicle before fire units arrived. 

No injuries were reported.

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TCNS staff

TRINITY —Texas Department of Public Safety Troopers investigated a crash on Farm-to-Market Road 356, near Skains Lane, that occurred Friday.

The preliminary crash investigation indicates that at approximately 2:09 p.m., a 2017 Toyota Highlander was traveling southeast on FM 356, followed by a 2010 Ford F-150. It is reported that the Toyota slowed to make a left turn onto Skains Lane and was rear-ended by the Ford.

The driver of the Toyota, 22-year-old Emily Moore of Trinity, and her passenger, a 1-year-old child, were both transported to Huntsville Memorial Hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.

The driver of the Ford, 81-year-old Joseph Tempel of Trinity, was not injured.

Earlier that day, a minivan driving to town on FM 356 in front of the city’s wastewater plant was struck by a falling tree.

Reports indicate that part of the tree crashed through the windshield and struck the driver, who was not identified.

Trinity Fire & Rescue removed the tree from the roadway and assisted with traffic control, while Ventura EMS transported the driver to Huntsville Hospital with minor injuries.

On Sunday, troopers investigated a third crash on FM 356, approximately one mile northwest of Acorn Lane.

The preliminary crash investigation indicates that at approximately 1:24 a.m., a 2011 Ford Flex was traveling northwest. It is reported that the SUV traveled off the road to the right and struck a culvert, causing it to overturn.

The driver, identified as 31-year-old Courtney Loew of Grapeland, was transported to HCA Conroe for treatment of life-threatening injuries.

Later that day, a crash occurred on state Highway 94, near Farm-to-Market Road 2262.

Reports indicate that at approximately 3:30 a.m., a 2002 Honda CRV was traveling southwest. It is reported that the driver failed to drive in a single lane and traveled off the road to the left, where he struck an embankment and collided with a tree, causing it to overturn.

The driver, 32-year-old Zackary Allen of Lufkin, was transported to HCA Conroe for treatment of life-threatening injuries.

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A home in the Lakewood subdivision near Trinity was destroyed by fire on the evening of Jan. 9.

TCNS staff

TRINITY — Trinity firefighters battled a blaze that left a residence in rubble and a family of five without a home.

Fire Chief Keith Johnson said that at approximately 8:30 p.m. on Jan. 9, Trinity Fire & Rescue were called out to a fire in the Lakewood subdivision on FM 356. The department responded with four trucks and 20 firefighters to a structure with heavy fire showing.

Firefighters attacked the blaze and had it under control in 15 minutes; however, mutual aid was requested from 356 Volunteer Fire Department, which provided two trucks for additional water supply.

Johnson said the structure was a total loss, and that the cause of the fire is undetermined at this time.

No injuries were reported, and the Red Cross was contacted and is assisting the family.