In the quiet, close-knit community of Rising Star, Texas, a devastating accident shattered the calm on Thursday, August 14, leaving one life lost and another forever changed. The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) reported that at 1:56 p.m., a catastrophic collision unfolded on State Highway 36, just 1.5 miles from the heart of this small Eastland County town. The incident, a stark reminder of the unpredictability of the open road, has left the community grappling with grief and searching for answers.

At the center of this tragedy was Earl Morgan Wright, a 74-year-old Rising Star resident known for his warmth and ties to the local community. Earl was behind the wheel of his 2025 Chevrolet Trax, a compact crossover that carried him through the familiar roads of his hometown. Positioned at the intersection of State Highway 36 and County Road 377, Earl had come to a stop, patiently yielding to oncoming traffic as he prepared to make a left turn. It was a routine moment, one played out countless times on rural highways across America. But in an instant, everything changed.

A 2019 Kenworth T680 semi-truck, hauling a 2010 Utility Flatbed trailer, barreled down the highway. Driven by a 31-year-old man from Houston, the massive vehicle failed to slow in time, its momentum unstoppable. The truck slammed into the rear of Earl’s Chevrolet with devastating force, crumpling the smaller vehicle and sending shockwaves through the quiet afternoon. Justice of the Peace Jesse Speer arrived at the scene, where he was forced to deliver the heartbreaking pronouncement: Earl Morgan Wright had perished in the collision, his life extinguished in a moment of unimaginable violence.

In the passenger seat of the Chevrolet was Stacey Marie Wright, 53, also a resident of Rising Star and a cherished member of the community. Though she survived the crash, Stacey sustained injuries that, while deemed non-incapacitating by medical professionals, required immediate attention. She was rushed to Harris Methodist Hospital in Fort Worth, where she remains in stable condition, surrounded by the support of loved ones and the prayers of her neighbors. The driver of the semi-truck, the lone occupant of the towering vehicle, emerged unscathed, a stark contrast to the devastation left in his wake.

Preliminary reports from the DPS paint a picture of a tragedy that might have been avoided. All individuals involved were wearing seat belts, a small but critical detail that underscores the importance of road safety. Yet, the failure of the semi-truck to control its speed has raised urgent questions about the circumstances leading to the crash. Was it a moment of distraction, a mechanical failure, or the sheer challenge of navigating a vehicle weighing up to 80,000 pounds? The investigation remains active, with authorities meticulously piecing together the events to uncover the truth. No charges have been filed as of yet, but the DPS is leaving no stone unturned in their pursuit of clarity.

The loss of Earl Morgan Wright has cast a shadow over Rising Star, a town where neighbors are family and every loss is deeply felt. Earl’s life, though cut short, was one of connection and community, and his absence leaves a void that words cannot fill. As Stacey recovers in Fort Worth, the people of Rising Star rally around her, offering support and solace in the face of unimaginable grief. The intersection of State Highway 36 and County Road 377, once just another stretch of asphalt, now stands as a somber reminder of the fragility of life.

This tragic accident also shines a spotlight on the broader issue of road safety, particularly when it comes to the interaction between passenger vehicles and commercial trucks. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, large truck crashes claimed 4,764 lives in 2022 alone, a sobering statistic that underscores the stakes on America’s highways. In the wake of this loss, advocates like Candice Bond, a seasoned semi-truck accident attorney, emphasize the need for thorough investigations. From re-interviewing witnesses to analyzing surveillance footage and phone records, every detail matters in understanding what went wrong and ensuring justice for those affected.

For now, Rising Star mourns. The community holds tight to memories of Earl Morgan Wright, a man whose life touched so many, and they pray for Stacey’s healing, both physical and emotional. As the investigation continues, the people of this small Texas town are left to reflect on the fleeting nature of life and the importance of vigilance on the roads we all share. In the face of such loss, they find strength in togetherness, a testament to the enduring spirit of Rising Star.