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DPS releases information on fatal crash on Hwy 83

DPS has released its preliminary report on Thursday crash that resulted in the deaths of Tuscola's mayor and his wife

TAYLOR COUNTY — The Texas Department of Public Safety has released its preliminary crash investigation results about the Thursday crash that claimed the lives of the City of Tuscola's mayor Robert Vance Elkins, and his wife, Vondean Rose Elkins.

The three-vehicle collision happened at about 12:45 p.m. Thursday on US Hwy 83, one mile north of Tuscola. Road conditions were wet because of the rain in the area,

The DPS report states a 2017 Dodge Ram pickup truck, driven by Brandon Michael McFall, 31, of Andover, Ohio, was traveling north on US-83. A 2016 Lincoln MKX, driven by Robert Vance Elkins, 82, of Tuscola; and a 2018 Chevrolet pickup truck, driven by Bryan Blake Meers, 38, of Abilene, were traveling south.

According to the report, McFall's vehicle began to hydroplane and slid into the southbound lane, crashing head-on with Elkins' vehicle. McFall's vehicle then spun around and struck Meers' vehicle.

McFall was treated and released at the scene. His passenger, Amber Thompson, 40, of Andover, was transported to Hendrick Medical Center. She was listed in the report as stable with non-incapacitating injuries.

The Elkins' were pronounced dead at the scene.

Meers was the sole occupant of his vehicle and was listed as "treated and released."

DPS said the crash remains under investigation.

The City of Tuscola released the following statement Thursday:

"The City of Tuscola is grieving the loss of Mayor Robert Elkins and his wife Von Dean Elkins which were both tragically killed in an auto accident just North of Tuscola on Hwy 83 this afternoon. Robert and Von Dean were both loved and respected citizens of the City of Tuscola for over 54 years. Our prayers and thoughts are with the Elkins family. The community, council and employees will miss them greatly; we appreciate your patience during this time of loss."

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