Teen pedestrian fatally hit by big rig off US-59 in Polk County

POLK COUNTY, TX — A driver lost control of a semi-truck after a rear-end crash Thursday near Livingston, fatally striking a 15-year-old boy who had just gotten off a school bus, according to ABC13.

The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) said the incident took place along U.S. 59, in an area north of the city.

A preliminary investigation indicates 41-year-old Gregory Jackson was behind the wheel of an 18-wheeler that struck the back of a Toyota vehicle, which was waiting behind a stopped Livingston ISD school bus in the northbound outside lane. Officials say the school bus had its red lights activated and its stop sign extended as it dropped off a 15-year-old boy.

After the semi rear-ended the Toyota, it ran off the right side of US-59 and struck the teen, who was in a nearby driveway. First responders pronounced the struck victim deceased at the scene.

Neither Jackson nor the Toyota driver, 28-year-old Autumn Witt, was reported injured. DPS confirmed that Jackson was arrested for negligent homicide following the fatal incident.

A span of US-59 was blocked off for about three hours as officials responded to the scene. An investigation remains open and ongoing.

The Houston personal injury attorneys of Gibson Hill understand how difficult it is to recover from the aftermath of a serious accident. We have helped people face these challenges and guided them through the legal system's complexities to help them receive the best medical treatment and financial compensation. Call (713) 659-4000 for a free consultation with one of our Houston Pedestrian Accident Lawyers today.