UPDATE: DPS Identifies Louisiana Man Killed in Fatal Highway 62 Crash; Clarifies Driver Information

BUNA, Texas — Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) troopers have released additional information in connection with a fatal three-vehicle crash that occurred early Monday morning along State Highway 62 near County Road 784 in Jasper County.

Troopers have identified the deceased driver as Dustin Spears, 43, of Many, Louisiana. Spears was pronounced dead at the scene by a justice of the peace.

The crash occurred at approximately 4:45 a.m. on Monday, January 12, 2026.

According to DPS, a 2019 Ram pickup, driven by Spears, was traveling southbound on Highway 62 and was followed by a 2003 Chevrolet pickup, while a 2017 Nissan passenger vehicle was traveling northbound.

Investigators say the driver of the Chevrolet disregarded a no-passing zone and attempted to pass the Ram. While passing, the driver reportedly observed the Nissan approaching from the opposite direction and jerked the steering wheel back to the right, causing the Chevrolet to strike the Ram.

The impact caused the Ram to leave the roadway and enter the west ditch, where it struck several trees. DPS officials say the Nissan traveled off the roadway to the right in an attempt to avoid a head-on collision and struck a tree.

The driver of the Chevrolet was previously identified by DPS as 38-year-old Liborio Reyes of Jasper. Reyes and his adult passenger were not injured.

DPS has also clarified that the driver of the Nissan, initially reported as female, is a 38-year-old male from Kirbyville. However, the driver’s name has not been released by DPS, and no further identifying information is available at this time.

The investigation remains active and ongoing, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety.