DPS Trooper Dies After Fatal Crash in Lamar County

A Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) Highway Patrol Trooper died in a one-vehicle crash while on patrol Saturday night in Lamar County.

At approximately 10:57 p.m. Saturday, Trooper Jeffery Nichols, 27, was driving westbound on FM 38, when he lost control of his parole car and crashed into a tree. He died at the scene, and the exact cause of the crash in under investigation. The incident took place about half a mile north of County Road 35450 near Tigertown, and was reported to authorities by passing motorists. 

“DPS and the State of Texas have lost one of our finest in the line of duty,” said DPS Director Steven McCraw. “Every day Trooper Nichols honored his pledge to proudly protect the people of Texas, and his service and sacrifice will always be cherished and remembered. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones during this extremely difficult time.”

Trooper Nichols joined DPS in August of 2011 and was stationed in Paris. He is the 218th DPS officer to die in the line of duty since 1837. He is survived by his parents and loving family. Funeral arrangements are pending.