Driver Passes Away from Head On Collision, BIG SANDY, July 26, 2025 - The driver of a silver 2007 Audi A4 has passed away following a head on collision that wasn't her fault. 80 year old Zelma Gunter, of Cold Spring, was north-bound on FM-1276 when a south-bound vehicle crossed over into her lane causing a head on collision. Gunter was flown from the scene and passed away a short time later.
ORIGINAL STORY BELOW
FM-1276 near Big Sandy School on Sunday (07/20/25)
Head On Collision, 3 Flown in Critical, BIG SANDY, July 20, 2025 - At approximately 12 noon on July 20, 2025, a silver 2007 Audi A4, driven by Zelma Gunter, 80, of Cold Spring, was north-bound on FM-1276 (next to Big Sandy School) when the driver of a south-bound gray 2024 Ford Explorer driven by Chase Gilbert, 23, of Livingston, crossed the center of the road causing a head on collision. Allegiance Ambulance Service was dispatched to the scene along with the Segno Volunteer Fire Department, Officers from The Alabama Coushatta Police Department, and Troopers Terrence Dickens and Sean Barnes with The Texas Highway Patrol. All traffic on 1276 was blocked during investigation and cleanup. Two medical helicopters landed (Airlife, followed by Hermann Life Flight) and flew Gunter, Gilbert (and his passenger, Sierra Hill, 23, of Point Blank) from the scene. All three are possibly in critical condition. Gilbert is facing a citation for failing to maintain a single lane of traffic. Gunter's vehicle was recovered by Fawbush Wrecker Service out of Goodrich while Gilbert's vehicle was recovered by Pop's Wrecker Service out of Livingston. This accident remains under investigation by The Texas Highway Patrol.
80 year old Zelma Gunter, of Cold Spring, was driving this 2007 Audi A4 north-bound on FM-1276 when a south-bound vehicle crossed over into her land causing a head on collision.
23 year old Chase Gilbert, of Livingston, was driving this 2024 Ford Explorer south-bound when he crossed into the south-bound lane causing the head on collision with Zelma Gunter.
Gunter had heavy bags of potting soil in the back seat of her car when the collision happened. The dirt was thrown forward hitting Gunter.
Trooper Terrence Dickens (pictured) is the primary accident investigator.
Chase Gilert (pictured on gurney), and his female passenger, and Zelma Gunter were all flown from the scene with major injuries.
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