One Dead, Several Injured in Hwy 31 Wreck

SMITH COUNTY — A two vehicle wreck on Highway 31 leaves one person dead and three others injured. It happened just after 4:00 Saturday afternoon on SH-31 about nine miles west of Kilgore. The DPS report indicated that a 2006 Ford Expedition was traveling eastbound on 31 when it crossed into oncoming traffic and hit a 2015 GMC Traverse head-on. The driver of the Expedition, identified as Keith Nelson, 32, Longview, was listed in serious condition. The driver of the Traverse, Traci Tippitt, 50, Kilgore, was taken to ETMC-Tyler in stable condition. A passenger in the Traverse, Mark Tippitt, 56, Kilgore was pronounced dead at the hospital. Another passenger in the Traverse, Jack Ward, 78, Henderson, was transported to ETMC-Tyler in critical condition. The investigation is ongoing.