The Texarkana Texas Police Department is investigating a fatal crash that occurred on February 16, 2019 at 6:19 AM on the 4000 block of N. Kings Highway.
Officers were dispatched to a report of a major crash on N. Kings Hwy near Interstate 30. When officers arrived they discovered a white female suffering from life threatening injuries. Traffic investigators were notified and arrived to investigate the crash. It was determined a gray Jeep Compass SUV, driven by Jill East of Texarkana, Texas, was traveling south on N. Kings Hwy in the left lane. Samantha Desmarais of Texarkana, Texas was walking south on N. Kings Hwy in the center lane. As the vehicle was approaching Desmarais turned and walked in front of the vehicle. East was unable to stop before striking Desmarais. Desmarais died as a result of her injuries received during the collision with the vehicle. Desmarais was wearing ear buds and investigators believe she may not have been to able to hear the vehicle approaching.
This investigation continues, and anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact the Texarkana Texas Police Department at 903-798-3116 or CrimeStoppers at 903-793-STOP.
