Two Dead, One Hospitalized in Fatal Collision at SH‑164 and FM 39 Intersection

Two local residents lost their lives in a tragic traffic collision Thursday morning at the intersection of State Highway 164 and FM 39, east of Groesbeck, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS).
At approximately 8:00 a.m. on July 24, DPS troopers responded to the scene where investigators say a Dodge Ram truck, entering the intersection from FM 39, failed to stop at a stop sign and struck a Honda passenger vehicle. The impact was severe, resulting in the instantaneous deaths of the Honda’s driver, Jordan Trexler, 31, of Thornton, and Sheila Rutledge, 55, of Groesbeck. Authorities pronounced both deceased at the scene.
The driver of the Dodge was transported to a local hospital with injuries; no further updates on the person's condition have been disclosed. Family members of the deceased have been notified. The investigation remains active and ongoing.
The crash has deeply affected the community, particularly at Old Union Eats, where both women worked. Local residents and coworkers have expressed grief and remembrance, honoring Trexler and Rutledge as dedicated individuals known for their friendly demeanors.
DPS Sergeant Ryan Howard, the department’s public information officer in Central Texas, provided the official statement and confirmed the details of the crash.
DPS reports that the investigation is active. Troopers are working to reconstruct the events leading to the collision, including whether speed, visibility, or other factors contributed to the Dodge driver’s failure to stop. No citations or charges have been announced at this time.
This incident underscores the critical importance of adhering to stop signs and yielding right-of-way at intersections. DPS encourages drivers to exercise extra caution in rural areas, where sightlines may be limited and signage can be easily overlooked.