Two fatalities recorded in Thursday accidents

Two accidents claimed lives on Thursday in Milam County.

On Thursday, July 7, at approximately 8:10 p.m., Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) Troopers responded to a fatal crash on FM 485 near CR 255, northeast of Cameron, according to DPS Communications Officer Ryan Howard.

A Ford Explorer traveling westbound drove onto the wrong side of the road. As an eastbound vehicle approached, the driver of the ford made an evasive maneuver to avoid crashing, causing the ford to leave the roadway, lose control, and overturn. 

The driver, Justin Draeger, 31, of Humble, was pronounced dead at the scene. Next of kin have been notified. The investigation is still active and ongoing.

On Thursday, July 7, 2022, at approximately 8:30 p.m., Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) Troopers responded to a fatal crash on FM 486 near CR 439, south of Thorndale. 

Howard said a Harley Davidson motorcycle traveling northbound was unable to negotiate the curve in the roadway, causing the vehicle to leave the roadway and overturn. The motorcyclist, Darien Waldrep, 28, of Rosebud, was pronounced dead at the scene. Next of kin have been notified. The investigation is still active and ongoing.

Howard reminds everyone to always drive at a safe speed for traffic, weather, and road conditions.