Elderly Man Killed in Crash During Intense Thunderstorm

ABILENE, TX – During the heavy rain storm on Tuesday night an Abilene man was killed in a fiery crash near Denton Valley. 

According to the Texas Department of Public Safety, on Aug. 17 at around 8 p.m., troopers with the Texas DPS were dispatched to State Highway 36, four miles west of Denton Valley, for the report of a major crash. 

When they arrived, the troopers discovered a 2004 Chevy pickup and a 2011 Ford pickup that had crashed in the middle of the roadway. Also the Chevy pickup was completely engulfed in flames.

Both vehicles only had one occupant. In the Ford, Robert King, 56, of Clyde was taken to Hendrick medical Center in Abilene. He has been treated and released from the hospital. He was not wearing his seatbelt during the crash.

The driver of the Chevy, James Edward Johnson, 78, of Abilene, was pronounced dead at the scene. His body was taken to the Tarrant County Medical Examiner's Office. It is unknown if Johnson was wearing a seat belt.

Initial investigations revealed that the Ford was traveling East on SH 36 while the Chevy was traveling West. The Ford lost traction, went into a spin, and was struck on the left side by the Chevy. The Chevy caught fire and was completely burned.

At the time of the crash it was raining causing the roadway to be slick.