FATAL CRASH IN CHAPPELL HILL

  

A Chappell Hill man is dead following a two-vehicle accident in Washington County early this (Thursday) morning.

75-year old Eddie Mayes of Chappell Hill was killed when his pickup was struck by tractor trailer at the intersection of US Highway 290 and FM 1155, just after 7:30.

(Photos by Mark Whitehead)

According to the Department of Public Safety, Mayes was north-bound on FM-1155 when he was struck by a 2002 tractor trailer being driven by 34-year old Shane Campbell of Frisco, TX.

Mayes’ pickup burst into flames.  He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Campbell was taken to Scott & White Hospital in Brenham with non-life threatening injuries.

According to DPS Sargent Jimmy Morgan, troopers are investigating the accident.

Morgan says witnesses say the tractor trailer ran a red light at the intersection.

East-bound traffic was detoured onto several side roads and west-bound traffic was down to one lane for several hours following the accident.

 

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58 Comments

  1. Flashing caution lights are very much needed here, at least a half to a quarter mile before this intersection!!! So snotty for this tragedy, it takes something like this to get something done.

  2. Our heartfelt condolences go out to you and your family. We will surely miss the presence of a truly lovable and kind person.

  3. I am saddened today Mr Eddie Mays was one of my Prayer partners on the kerby prayer Line every morning he would come on with his distinctive voice love to hear him say Eddie Mays!! Chappell hill he would sing sometimes and to know I won’t hear his voice again is sad my Deepest Sympathy goes out to his family it was if I had met him before but I never did he was loved by all of us on the prayer Line and will be deeply missed please keep this Family in Prayer thanking you in advance (keeping the faith.

  4. I am saddened today Mr Eddie Mays was one of my Prayer partners on the kerby prayer Line every morning he would come on with his distinctive voice love to hear him say Eddie Mays!! Chappell hill he would sing sometimes and to know I won’t hear his voice again is sad my Deepest Sympathy goes out to his family it was if I had met him before but I never did but he was loved by all of us on the prayer Line and will be deeply missed

  5. I traveled through that intersection a minute or two before that accident happened. I can tell you that the sun was directly behind the traffic light and even with sunglasses on and visor down I struggled to see that there was even a traffic signal there never less the color of the light. Had there not been a car stopped there already I would not have known it was red. That to me is by far the most dangerous part of the intersection. East bound in the morning and westbound in the late evening.

  6. My mother was killed at that intersection in 1979 when there were 4-Way stop signs. It was thought having lights would be the solution to not having accidents at that intersection, but it has not worked. Perhaps an overpass is the solution. My sympathy and prayers to the Mayes family.

  7. My prayers goes out to this family.
    I feel your pain.
    Drivers must be cognizant of other drivers traveling too.
    Yes something can be done about that area of the highway. If nothing else make a 4 way stop.
    I lost my father ( Jim Ed Brooks) on 290 hwy years ago and I haven’t forgotten.

    1. 4 WAY STOP??? ARE YOU NUTS. TRAFFIC WOULD BACK UP TO AUSTIN AND THE 610 LOOP. THE FLYOVER IS THE ONLY SOLUTION. MAYBE TxDOT CAN WORK ON THAT SINCE THEY WORK ON 36 IS HALTED BECAUSE OF THE BIRDS…..

  8. I’ve heard many people say they want this speed limit lowered, but at the same time, none of them have done anything more than talk amongst themselves.

    One of the best ways to get the speed limit lowered is have as many people as possible show up at a commissioners court meeting and take a turn speaking on the topic. That would increase the likelihood of it being on the next agenda. You can also call your county commissioners individually. Yes, that is an intersection of two state roads, but commissioners court is your first step.

    1. County Commissioners don’t have the authority to lower the speed limit on Highway 290 since it is a US Highway maintained by the State of Texas. The only organization that can lower the speed limit on any highway maintained by the State of Texas is TXDOT. To get TXDOT to lower the speed limit a traffic study must be conducted, public hearings may be held, and then it the numbers on the traffic study don’t warrant the reduction of the speed limit it will not happen. In fact based on the numbers from the traffic study the speed limit might actually be raised. Based on the large amount of traffic in Chappell Hill and overpass or a loop around Chappell appears to be the best solution.

    2. I agree Mark that would be the best way all talk no action makes no progress.

  9. Lower the speed limit to 45 and WRITE TICKETS. I have never seen a speeding ticket being given near this intersection, am I the only one?

  10. Yes I don’t understand why don’t they lower the speed to 30 or 35mph like out on 36N you go through Rosebud or Lott Texas you will get a ticket. I vote to slow the traffic down to 30 or 35mph through Chappell Hill………………come on TXDOT, Sherriff’s Dept., DPS Dept. think about it. Do your jobs.

  11. Prayers and deepest condolences to family, church family, and friends! Dec. Mayes will truly be missed! He loved God and it showed! VERY FAITHFUL! Rest in heavenly peace!

  12. It would seem that if you see a traffic light you would automatically lower your speed in case the light turns. This man was my cousin. He loved to hear my mother Bertha Jackson sing in church. My heart goes out to his wife. They had already lost their daughter now her husband. I know a pedestrian that was killed walking home across that intersection. Whatever can be done needs to be done. My heart is saddened for all the lives lost at this intersection. Something has to be done. I’m going to write the congressman. He has helped me before. I’m sure he can do something about this. RIP Mr. Mayes

    1. Paulaetta, is this the gentleman who has a home and acreage at 2700 Quarry Rd with horses on his property? If so he is our neighbor and I’m truly sorry to read about this. Prayers have been sent immediately for him and all his family and friends,
      Deepest sympathy,
      Georgia Sowers

  13. What happened this morning is absolutely heartbreaking. My heartfelt condolences to Mr. Mayes’ family and friends for comfort in this unnecessary tragedy.

    I live in Bluebonnet Hills Subdivision, 2 miles west of the CH light. We have a dickens of a time getting out of our subdivision, too. At that point the speed limit is 70 — and most vehicles are well over that speed (75-80 is my guess). The westbound lane in front of the Rosenstock Farm has a hill we can’t see (over) for oncoming traffic until it’s dangerous to make any sort of move. By the time we see the front bumper of a westbound vehicle it’s really too late. It’s only a mafter of time before we have a major accident as well. When the 577 overpass was completed a few years ago, there’s not been much “timing” (lull) where we can safely exit out of or into our subdivision. as there was prior to the overpass (lights in CH and at 577 helped with timing lulls). Now we’re at the mercy of the small red light lull in CH and hoping for a coordinating lull with eastbound traffic from the overpasses through Brenham.

    290 westbound prior to the CH light requires an uphill climb to the light (where FM 1077 intersects). Big rigs increase their momentum to get up the hill. Other vehicles pay no heed to the 10 MPH lower speed limit through the light.

    The eastbound left turn lane for BH’s is ridiculously short. Those of us who must move to the left lane (in order to eventually get into the left turn lane for the subdivision) — where vehicles are going 75-80+ MPH then ride our bumpers as we’re slowing down to most often ZERO MPH to turn left into our subdivision — IS NOT LONG ENOUGH!
    One CANNOT slow down FAST enough with the SHORT length given us! Same holds true for our westbound shoulder! What Einstein thought this was enough length for 70 to 0 MPH within seconds!?

    An overpass seems to be the best answer for CH. However my concern is what effect that will also have for BH residents trying to exit our subdivision as well. The traffic on 290 has increased so rapidly. the governmental agencies apparently haven’t had time to take major corrective actions. We shall see…

  14. @Karen does thankfully wait despite light being green & looking around first. That’s what our family drivers do as well.
    As a partial fix, why doesn’t TXDOT just delay the traffic lights time from red to green for the 1155 drivers crossing 290 by another 30 seconds. Red for all… Drivers will start looking around just to see why it has not changed to green…and these additional 30 seconds are really longer than you think!

    1. Excellent suggestion! Although some drivers will figure they’ve got a little extra “time” to run the light.

      1. I don’t think so as most of those violating the red lights are out-of-towners and do not know the extra time and have come to a stop or else passed though the light before 1155 crossing turns green!!

    2. Mr.Mayes was a customer of mine i delivered mail to he daily, he was a great man and i will miss him dearly, my condolences to Mrs.Mayes and his family may God give you sttength and comfort in this difficult time, RIP MR.MAYES

    3. The best solution to this problem. I, too, look to make sure all vehicles stop before I roll across the intersection. So sorry for this loss.

  15. Sorry to hear about the death of Mr. Mayes. Right nice old gentleman. He believed in Christ and loved him. Hes having fun now!!!

  16. So sorry for the loss of a loved one, you have my prayers and my condolences!!!
    May you find comfort and strength to deal with this tragedy

  17. I always pause and look both ways when I get a green light coming off of 1155. I live one block off 290 from where this occurred and hear the semis that come through blowing their horns because they can’t/don’t slow down fast enough. Green does not equal “go” to me at that intersection!

  18. I lost a friend a couple of months ago at the same intersection. Crazy news again!! Stop running red lights!!

  19. It’s been a long, long time ,, but that intersection is dangerous because drivers make it so. May he rest in peace, praying for my cousins & all family member..

  20. My condolences to his family. He was a good man, and actively involved in church and community. He was just at the museum a short time ago.

  21. Chappell Hill needs a Constable Greg like Burton has! People traveling 290 through Burton know to drive the posted speed limit!

    1. That is true! Thanks to Greg for his constant patroling also in Burton! We appreciate you. Prayer for the family.

  22. I am already praying for my cousin and the family that God will give peace and comfort.

    1. We’re praying for you all as well. May God grant comfort and strength! Blessings.

  23. Eddie is my dearly beloved cousin…he was just like a brother to me and my siblings. When I parents fed us they fed Eddie…he slept in the same beds, ate at the same table, and drank from the same dipper. RIP my dear brother (Kansas City)

  24. What if they would reduce the speed limit to about 25-30 miles per hour, 3 miles east and west bound before arriving at that intersection.

    Please please, just try something.

  25. Lower the speed limit to 60 as far back as Blue Bonnet Hills and at least 3 miles on the east side of Chappell Hill, then to 50 mph where 60 is now with strict enforcement.

  26. My thoughts and prayers are with this family I had the Honor to pastor bro. Mays he was a good and humble Man may he rest in peace .

  27. My Prayers are going out the family of the lost loved one.

    Unfortunately lowering the speed limit any more through the area will do no good. People constantly run the red light for different reasons (not paying attention, speeding, being on the phone, etc.) TXDOT needs to get plans together for an overpass to be installed. Having been born and raised and living in Chappell Hill for more than 35+ years, I know all too well just how dangerous this intersection is. Law Enforcement can only do so much with limited resources, there is not enough sheriff deputies nor DPS to prevent this. Again, it falls back on TXDOT to move forward with an overpass for safety reasons alone.

    1. That’s definitely not something that most Chappell Hill residents would approve of…we already hate all that crap in Brenham..

  28. I have been traveling through this intersection twice a day for the last 6 years, I have maybe seen an officer twice during this time period. The speed limit of 60 through Chappell Hill is totally ignored. I agree to the overpass idea.God bless this family.

  29. Something does need to happen, Mary said it best. After so many accidents you’d think the sheriff would put someone there to pass out tickets. The strips, the blinking lights or slowing traffic to 60 don’t faze drivers. I live in Chappell Hill and see drivers hauling tail and 2447 isn’t much better.

  30. Can’t the highway department consider making a bypass around Chappell Hill as they have done in Snook and other small towns. It is a shame they wait till the death toll is at a particular number before action is taken. RIP Mr Mayes.

    1. What will a bypass do? People die on them too. How about following traffic laws and being a little more careful?

      1. When I drive thru Chappell Hill, I notice that 95% of drivers do not slow to the 60 MPH posted speed. All I can do is shake my head and hope the DPS is around the curve.

      1. Chappell Hill pass away a long time ago. An overpass would help keep the tourist out! Perhaps they can take 36 down to Belleville to see the wildflowers…

  31. They need an overpass!!! Sending prayers of comfort and understanding to the bereaved family!!!

    1. An overpass with access roads makes the most sense. There are very few traffic lights on 290 between Houston and Austin but there should be none. That highway sees too much traffic and gets too backed up at the redlights. Chappell Hill and Brenham could use overpasses where the redlights are. Giddings would need a bypass.

  32. There is gonna have lower the speed limit going through Chappell Hill. There is way to many accidents at that intersection, fatal ones. Yes the speed limit drops to 60 about 2 miles back an drivers are still driving 65 and 70 through Chappell Hill. I know I drive to Chappell Hill everyday to go home. If a police would sit there east and west side and write tickets, the county could make a lot of money. How many fatal accidents have to happen before something is done. Praying for the family that lost a family member.

    1. I think that would be better. They have lower speed limits in many of the other towns along 290. Too many people are suffering here.
      I also think we need crosswalks. Several people travel on foot across the highway because they don’t have alternative means of transportation from one side of town to the other.

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