Carlton Lee Obituary, Death: Man dies after crashing into parked 18-wheeler on Highway 6.

Carlton Lee Obituary, Death – A tragic accident on Highway 6 near Waco, Texas, claimed the life of a Bryan man on Tuesday afternoon, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS). The crash occurred around 5:00 p.m. on April 22, when authorities responded to a report of a collision involving a pickup truck and a large commercial vehicle.

Texas DPS troopers arrived at the scene on State Highway 6 near State Loop 340, located just east of Waco. Investigators determined that a Dodge Ram pickup truck, traveling southbound, veered onto the shoulder of the roadway and struck the back of a stationary truck tractor tank trailer that was parked on the shoulder.

The driver of the Dodge, identified as 42-year-old Carlton Lee of Bryan, was critically injured in the crash. Emergency services rushed Lee to Baylor Scott & White Medical Center in Waco for treatment. Despite efforts by medical staff, Lee was later pronounced dead due to the severity of his injuries.

Officials with Texas DPS stated that Lee’s next of kin had been notified and confirmed that there were no additional injuries resulting from the crash. The driver of the 18-wheeler was not in the vehicle at the time of the impact or was otherwise uninjured.

In the aftermath of the incident, Texas DPS issued a public reminder emphasizing the importance of maintaining proper lane position while driving. “Know where you are in your lane. Drifting can be deadly. Stay centered and stay safe. Always know your lane positioning,” the department said in a safety advisory. The message highlights how even a brief lapse in attention or a minor drift can have fatal consequences, especially on high-speed highways where large commercial vehicles are often present.

The specifics of what caused the Dodge Ram to drift onto the shoulder remain under investigation. It is currently unclear whether distractions, mechanical issues, or other external factors played a role in the crash. Authorities have not released further details about the conditions of the road, weather, or visibility at the time of the accident.

Carlton Lee’s sudden death has deeply impacted those who knew him. Though official statements from family members or friends have not been released, local residents and community members have expressed condolences and support in light of the tragedy.

The stretch of SH-6 where the crash occurred is known for heavy traffic and frequent commercial vehicle activity, making it a critical area for highway safety enforcement. Accidents involving 18-wheelers or other large trucks are often particularly devastating due to the sheer size and weight of these vehicles compared to passenger cars or pickups.

Texas has seen a growing number of traffic fatalities in recent years, and the Texas Department of Transportation, along with Texas DPS, continues to stress the importance of driver awareness and caution—especially around stationary vehicles or road shoulders.

Safety experts frequently warn that the shoulder of the road should only be used for emergencies and that it is essential for drivers to stay alert to avoid veering into these areas unintentionally. Crashes involving parked vehicles on the shoulder, such as the one that claimed Lee’s life, are often avoidable with proper focus and careful driving practices.

The investigation into the crash is ongoing, and DPS troopers will continue to gather evidence and examine the circumstances that led to the fatal collision. There has been no mention of potential charges or citations, and no other vehicles appear to have been involved in the incident.

As loved ones mourn the loss of Carlton Lee, this incident serves as another somber reminder of the risks present on the road and the importance of road safety vigilance. Even a brief deviation from the proper lane can result in irreversible outcomes, especially when heavy vehicles are involved or parked nearby.

In response to incidents like this one, Texas law enforcement continues to advocate for driver education, defensive driving habits, and public awareness campaigns designed to reduce roadway fatalities. Through increased awareness and continued safety initiatives, agencies hope to prevent similar tragedies in the future.

The Texas Department of Public Safety will release additional updates if further information becomes available regarding the cause of the crash or other relevant findings. In the meantime, Carlton Lee’s passing stands as a heartbreaking loss for his community and a powerful call for all drivers to remain focused and cautious behind the wheel.