An accident on the afternoon of Wednesday, 17, 2020 resulted in the death of a Fairfield, Texas man, Larry ‘Jason’ Rice.
Rice was heading east on Highway 84 when an, “18-wheeler truck pulled out in front of the motorcycle and the motorcycle hit the side of the truck tractor,” explained Fairfield Police Chief David Utsey.
The truck was pulling off FM 1580 (Post Oak Road) when the accident occurred.
It is unknown if there were any other injuries resulting from the accident at this time.
Fairfield Police Department worked the scene with other departments, including Freestone County Sheriff’s Office, DPS, Justice of the Peace Theresa Farris, and Fairfield Volunteer Fire Department.
Jason leaves behind a wife and five children. If you want to help them through this difficult time, you may donate funds at t.ly/ysRR on the Jason Rice Memorial Facebook page.
The intersection where the accident occurred has a stop sign and flashing lights. TxDOT (who has responsibility for this intersection) agreed in February to design and install new traffic lights.
According to a statement from Fairfield City Administrator Nate Smith the city has not received any firm dates on when the contract will go out for bidding, or when construction will begin.
“This delay, especially waiting six months for materials, is unacceptable, and we share in the public’s frustration,” said Administrator Smith.
The City again reached out to TxDot on Thursday, June 18, 2020 to ask them for a remedy for delays. Texas Representative Cody Harris (R-Palestine) and Senator Charles Schwertner (R-Georgetown) have also been notified of the problem.
Citizens are encouraged to file a complaint online at txdot.gov and click “Contact Us” then follow directions.
