Houston Harte Crash Victim Loses Fight for His Life

SAN ANGELO, TX — Jonathan Fortenberry, 23, was pronounced dead this morning at 6:30 a.m. He was the driver and sole occupant of a Subaru SUV that crashed into the rear of an 18-wheeler in the eastbound lanes of the Houston Harte Expressway on August 10.

Fortenberry’s aunt, Jennifer Hurley, has published a GoFundMe page to help the family pay for funeral expenses.

Known by family as Jon Jon, Fortenberry worked at H-E-B, according to his Facebook profile. A friend posted a photo on his Facebook page today of a rainbow dropping down over the store, declaring, “I believe in my heart that this rainbow is you telling your family and friends that everything is will to okay and that you always with them.”

Hurley wrote, “We are all absolutely devastated by Jon Jon's passing. His heart was so big, he loved helping anyone he could no matter the circumstances. His bright face, big smile and his contagious laugh were welcomed anywhere and anytime. He was a true blessing and loved by so many.”

San Angelo police said an off-duty police detective drove up on the accident scene Tuesday morning, Aug. 10. The Texas Department of Transportation was conducting road maintenance near the crash scene, police stated, and traffic was moving slowly in the area where the crash occurred. Fortenberry was extracted from his vehicle and rushed to Shannon Medical Center with incapacitating injuries where he and doctors fought for his life.

Police said he was wearing a seatbelt and alcohol was not involved.

Hurley stated that memorial services will be handled by Harper Funeral Home and the exact time and date are pending. You can visit the GoFundMe page here.