A Texas husband and wife were tragically killed after stepping out of their truck following a chaotic five-vehicle crash that also left two others critically injured.
The deadly chain-reaction wreck happened around 8:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 5, on State Highway 171 near County Road 4223, north of Hillsboro, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety.
Investigators said the crash began when a northbound Ford Fiesta passed a pickup truck and then moved back into the right lane. The Fiesta struck equipment being pulled by a farm tractor, causing the equipment to break loose.
The debris then ended up in the path of southbound traffic.
A Chevrolet Traverse and a Ford F-150 both collided with the equipment, turning the highway into a dangerous crash scene.
Katherine “Katie” Barton, 39, and her husband, Zachary Barton, 39, were inside the F-150. After the collision, the couple got out of their vehicle.
A 12-year-old passenger riding in the Traverse also got out.
While the three were standing outside their vehicles, they were struck.
Katie Barton was pronounced dead at the scene. Zachary was rushed to a nearby hospital but later died from his injuries.
The 12-year-old suffered critical injuries. The driver of the Ford Fiesta was also critically injured, according to local reports.
No other injuries were reported.
The Bartons leave behind two young children, both under the age of 6.
Friends and loved ones are now mourning a couple remembered for their kindness and willingness to help others.
“Zach always had a smile and Zach wanted to help,” friend and coworker Jason Overstreet told WFAA.
Overstreet said the sudden loss has been almost impossible for those who knew the couple to comprehend.
“It’s just really difficult to process that they’re gone,” he said, describing the overwhelming grief and disbelief surrounding the tragedy.
Texas DPS investigators said alcohol may have played a role in the initial crash.
Authorities have not publicly identified the 12-year-old or the other critically injured person.
The investigation into the deadly crash remains ongoing.
