EMS Personnel work on 44 year old Rickey R. Jones of Columbus, Ohio.
Fatal Accident as Car Goes Airborne From Bridge, LIVINGSTON, May 25, 2011 - At approximately 3:15 am on May 25, 2011, a tan 1998 Mazda Millenia driven by Rickey Jones, 44, of Columbus, Ohio, was south-bound on US-59 when according to Jones, an 18 wheeler cut him off forcing Jones to swerve losing control of his vehicle. Jones' vehicle left the road to his left rolled through the grassy median for over 75 yards and missed the bridge he was intending to drive over. The vehicle went airborne over the edge of the sloped bridge abutment in a downward path and slammed into a bridge pillar. Jones managed to crawl from the wreckage and began walking down Business 59 seeking help. Sergeant Scott Paske with the Livingston Police Department drove upon the accident and was soon joined by EMS Personnel from Americare Ambulance Service and the Livingston Volunteer Fire Department as well of other Officers from Livingston Police Department and DPS Troopers David Flowers, Sergeant Nita Bowen, and Trooper Donny Akers. Jones was treated at the scene and transported to Livingston Memorial Hospital with undisclosed injuries. Jones' passenger, Verna Denise Kyles, 56, of Columbus, Ohio was apparently killed on impact. Justice of the Peace Larry Whitworth performed an inquest at the scene. Traffic under the overpass was partially blocked during investigation and cleanup. Verna Kyles' body was recovered by Cochran Funeral Home in Livingston. Jones' vehicle was recovered by Ken's Towing and will be stored at Harrison Body Shop in Livingston. The scene was cleared shortly after 6 am.
WARNING: The images and video report below are scenes from a violent car accident. If this offends you in any way, DO NOT scroll down this page.
Click here for a video report of this story.
Sergeant Scott Paske with the Livingston Police Department was the first Officer on the scene.
A clear impression of the bridge pillar shows where the vehicle was impacted.
View from top edge of bridge abutmment.
Judge Larry Whitworth (left) speaks with Sergeant Nita Bowen of the Texas Highway Patrol. Whitworth performed an inquest at the scene.
Trooper David Flowers with the Texas Highway Patrol (left) is the investigating Officer. Detective Leon Middleton with LPD is also pictured.
Trooper Donny Akers assisted in the preliminary investigation.
Firemen from Livingston cut the top off the car to remove Verna Kyles from the vehicle.
Jones' vehicle was recovered by Ken's Towing.
If you would like to comment on this story, we'd love to hear from you. Your name will be listed with your comment when it's posted in the Letters to the editor.
