East Texas Coach Killed in Wreck Involving School Bus

MOUNT PLEASANT (AP/STAFF) – Two drivers are dead and dozens of students are injured after an 18-wheeler truck veered into oncoming traffic and struck vehicles including a bus carrying a Texas high school track team. Killed were Angrlica Beard, a first year coach who was driving a car behind the bus, and the truck’s driver, Bradley Ray Farmer, 50, of Bogard, Missouri. Texas Department of Public Safety Lt. Lonny Haschel says the collision occurred late Thursday on U.S. Highway 271, about two miles south of Talco, as the Mount Pleasant High School athletes were returning from a meet. The boys’ team bus toppled over in the initial collision then the big rig struck a car driven by an assistant girls’ team coach. The girls’ team bus wasn’t involved in any collision. Superintendent Judd Marshall said that 18 students were taken to hospitals.

Tyler Congressman Louie Gohmert released the following statement on the bus crash.
“My thoughts and fervent prayers go out to the family members and friends of the two precious lives that were claimed as a result of the horrific East Texas crash involving the Mt. Pleasant High School girls and boys track teams. How very horrific– to experience such a devastating loss after a time of togetherness and fun — traveling back to Mt. Pleasant after a track meet.”

“As a former student at Mt. Pleasant High School, my heart goes out to the faculty – and the students injured and recovering in the hospital at this very moment. Such tragedies are truly incomprehensible. My thoughts and prayers remain steadfast for those involved in the coming days and years.”