On the afternoon of March 24, 2025, a fatal accident occurred on US-190 East in Polk County, Texas, resulting in the death of 36-year-old Shawanna Mell from Apple Springs.
At approximately 1:05 p.m., Mell was driving her red 2007 Toyota Camry westbound when, for reasons yet to be determined, she crossed the center line into the eastbound lane. Virgil Woodard, 58, of Warren, was operating an eastbound logging truck at the time. Despite Woodard’s attempt to evade the oncoming vehicle by steering to the right, the two vehicles collided in a glancing head-on impact. The collision caused the logging truck to jackknife into the grass off the pavement, while Mell’s vehicle came to rest on the westbound shoulder.
Emergency responders, including the Alabama-Coushatta Volunteer Fire Department, Alabama-Coushatta Police Department, and Texas Highway Patrol troopers, arrived promptly at the scene. Tragically, Mell was pronounced deceased on-site by Justice of the Peace Terri Mayer. Woodard sustained no physical injuries in the accident.
The Texas Highway Patrol is conducting an ongoing investigation to determine the exact circumstances leading to the crash. Authorities have not released further details at this time.
Community members have expressed their condolences and are keeping Mell’s family and friends in their thoughts during this difficult time.
