From Texas Department of Public Safety Sgt. Gregg Williams
On August 10, 2020 at approximately 7:20 p.m., Texas Department of Public Safety Troopers were notified of a traffic crash on FM 729 in Marion County about 7 miles southeast of Avinger. Preliminary investigation reveals a 1999 Chevrolet Silverado was traveling eastbound on FM 729. For an as yet undetermined reason, the driver of the Chevrolet was traveling at a high rate of speed as it entered a curve and left the roadway. The Chevrolet struck a power pole and rolled over. The Chevrolet also struck a parked pontoon style boat.
The driver, Alex Samples, 59, of Avinger, who was ejected from the vehicle was transported to a hospital in Shreveport were he later died.
A passenger, William Moore, 55, of Marietta, Tex., who was also ejected, was transported to the same hospital in Shreveport with serious but non-life-threatening injuries.
The crash remains under investigation and no additional information is currently available.