Cecil Kelley, Marissa Powell Obituary, Death: Two killed in fiery head-on crash on Christmas.
Cecil Kelley, Marissa Powell Obituary, Death -Two people tragically lost their lives in Concho County on Christmas Day following a head-on collision east of Eola, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety (TxDPS). The fatal crash occurred at 8:35 p.m. on December 25, near mile marker 404 of FM 765, located just east of Eola. At the time of the incident, the road was dry, and the weather was clear, which typically suggests favorable driving conditions.
Initial reports from TxDPS indicate that the crash unfolded when the driver of a Kia van, heading west on FM 765, crossed into the eastbound lane of traffic. The van collided head-on with an eastbound vehicle, causing significant damage. The impact was so severe that the eastbound vehicle caught fire as a result of the collision.
The driver of the Kia van, identified as 79-year-old Cecil Kelley from Eden, Texas, was pronounced dead at the scene. Tragically, the driver of the eastbound vehicle, 24-year-old Marissa Powell from Houston, Texas, also died in the crash. Both individuals lost their lives as a result of this violent collision.
In addition to the fatalities, a passenger in the Kia van, 78-year-old Priscilla Kelley, also from Eden, was injured in the crash. She was rushed to Shannon Medical Center for treatment of serious injuries. The extent of her injuries has not been fully disclosed, but her condition was deemed serious enough to require immediate medical attention.
Authorities are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash. While the weather and road conditions at the time were not factors in the incident, the reason for the van’s sudden lane deviation remains unclear. TxDPS is working to gather more details to understand how the crash unfolded and whether there were any other contributing factors such as driver impairment or distraction.
This devastating accident has left both families grieving, and the community is in mourning as they process the loss of two lives on what should have been a joyous holiday. The holiday season, often marked by gatherings with loved ones, now carries a heavy weight for those impacted by this tragic event.
The Texas Department of Public Safety has not yet released further details, but the investigation is ongoing. Authorities are urging anyone who may have witnessed the crash or has information about the incident to come forward as they continue to piece together what led to this catastrophic event.
This crash serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of safe driving, particularly during the holiday season, when traffic on the roads increases. Despite the clear weather and dry road conditions, accidents can happen in an instant, and caution is always needed when behind the wheel. As the investigation unfolds, the community remains hopeful that the cause of the crash will be determined, bringing some closure to the families involved.
As authorities continue their work, friends and family members of the victims are left to cope with the heartbreaking loss, while also supporting Priscilla Kelley as she begins her recovery from the serious injuries sustained in the crash. The tragic events of Christmas night have left an indelible mark on the families of Cecil Kelley, Marissa Powell, and Priscilla Kelley, as well as the larger Concho County community.