Goodrich Man Dies in Single Vehicle Accident on 59, GOODRICH, May 31, 2008 - A Goodrich man was killed in a single vehicle accident on Highway 59 and FM 2665 in Goodrich on May 31, 2008. A green two tone late model Dodge truck driven by Kenneth Wayne Maddux, 64, of Goodrich, was northbound on Highway 59. According to at least 5 different witnesses, Maddux was swerving all over the road. At approximately 4:31 pm Maddux lost control of his vehicle and ran off the road to the right as his truck slammed into the corner of a ditch and also hit a culvert. Maddux's airbag deployed but it is not yet known if Maddux had his seatbelt fastened or if he had insurance. Alcohol is suspected in the crash based on the swerving and a large bottle of whiskey in Maddux's truck. Americare Ambulance Service responded to the call and was able to remove Maddux from his truck and transport him to First Baptist Church of Goodrich where Life Flight picked him up. DPS Trooper Robert Akers was dispatched to the scene of the accident to investigate. Also at the accident was the Goodrich Volunteer Fire Department and Polk County Sheriff's Deputy, William Jerry. Maddux had a dog with him in the truck who managed to survive with only scrapes and bruises. The dog was being cared for by volunteers who stepped up to help the dog. Meanwhile, Maddux was loaded on the life flight helicopter and shortly after he was airborne he died. The helicopter changed course and flew Maddux into Livingston. Also at the scene of the life flight pick up point were Goodrich Volunteer Firelady, Nita Gokey, and Polk County Emergency Management Coordinator, Kenneth Hambrick. No traffic was blocked on Highway 59, but the west bound lane of 2665 was blocked while emergency personnel worked the scene. A wrecker from LakeView Wrecker service towed Maddux's vehicle away. The accident was cleared out in approximately 1 hour.
