Officials have identified the person who died in a car crash on FM 439 on Wednesday in Belton.
BELTON, Texas — The Texas Department of Public Safety announced an update to Wednesday’s deadly crash in Belton that killed one person.
According to Texas DPS, 50-year-old Vernon Richard Loechel, of Belton, was driving a 2010 Audi westbound on Farm-to-Market Road 439 while a 2010 Peterbilt trash truck was traveling eastbound.
According to the lead investigator, the Audi crossed into the eastbound lane and into the path of the Peterbilt, causing a crash. The impact sent the trash truck across the westbound lane and into a convenience store. Investigators have not said why Loechel crossed into the eastbound lane.
Loechel was pronounced dead at the scene by Justice of the Peace Duffield. The driver of the trash truck was reportedly taken to Baylor Scott &White with non-serious injuries.
Texas DPS is investigating the crash. Loechel’s family has been notified.