Abilene Man Dies in Head-on Crash Near San Angelo

SAN ANGELO, TX — An Abilene man lost his life Saturday night in a head-on collision on US 277 seven miles south of San Angelo.

According to the Texas DPS, the call to first responders about the crash happened at 8:01 p.m. When the DPS arrived, they witnessed two vehicles mangled together. The driver of one of those vehicles was Alvin New and his wife, Shelley, was the passenger.

DPS reported that Daniel Clain Lott, 60, of Abilene was driving a 2006 Toyota Camry northbound. US 277 has been modified within the past five years for safety with frequent passing areas that include with an extra lane for faster traffic to pass. This roadway design technique is called a “Super 2.” The Camry was not in a “Super 2” area, however, but Lott maneuvered his Camry into the oncoming lane anyway.

Driving southbound in a 2013 GMC Sierra pickup towing a trailer was Alvin New, 57, with his wife, Shelley, 59, in the passenger seat. DPS reported that the Camry hit News’ GMC head-on.

The Camry driver, Lott, was killed. He was pronounced dead at the scene by Tom Green County Justice of the Peace J.P. McGuire.

Both News were rushed to Shannon Medical Center with what the DPS described as “non-incapacitating injuries.” This means that both occupants of the GMC, the News, were not in critical condition.

The DPS reported that the roadway was dry and the skies clear. Sunset was at around 5:46 p.m., so it was nighttime when the crash happened. Five DPS troopers along with the Tom Green County Sheriff’s Office investigated the crash.

Alvin New is a member of the Texas Transportation Commission which oversees activities of the Texas Department of Transportation. New has been an advocate for safer state and federal highways in rural Texas. New is a business investor, San Angelo Chamber of Commerce leader, and former mayor of San Angelo where he served one term. He is a partner in the Jack’s Convenience Stores chain and before that was a shareholder and on the management team at Town & Country Convenience Stores. He and Shelley were married two years ago.