Vehicles Collide, Both Drivers Flown, Alcohol Suspected, GOODRICH, August 27, 2025 - At approximately 7:20 pm on August 27, 2025, a gray 2009 Dodge Ram pickup driven by Luther Bookman, 64, of Livingston, attempted to cross over the south-bound side of US-59 from Loop 393 (north end), but failed to yield to a south-bound black 2014 Jeep Cherokee driven by Ida Summer, 47, of Shepherd . The Jeep slammed into the front half, driver's side of the pickup. The impact sent the Jeep into the center median while the pickup came to rest on the pavement facing north. Allegiance Ambulance Service was dispatched to the scene along with The Goodrich Volunteer Fire Department, Deputy Robert Lawson with The Polk County Sheriff's Office, and Trooper Cesar Davila with The Texas Highway Patrol. Both Bookman and Summer were treated at the scene by EMS personnel, then flown from the scene (medical helicopters landed on 59). Bookman admitted to have been drinking prior to the crash. Beer cans and an empty whiskey bottle were found in his pickup. Luther Bookman is likely facing the charge of driving while intoxicated. Additionally, a loaded hand gun was found in the pickup (carrying a handgun while in commission of a crime (like driving while intoxicated) could add to the charges that the driver is already facing). The pickup was recovered by LakeView Towing out of Livingston, while the Jeep was recovered by East Texas Towing out of Shepherd. This accident remains under investigation by The Texas Highway Patrol.
47 year old Ida Lawson, of Shepherd, was driving this 2014 Jeep Cherokee south-bound on US-59, when a pickup pulled off of Loop 393 directly in front of her.
64 year old Luther Bookman, of Livingston, was driving this 2009 Dodge Pickup. Bookman allegedly failed to yield right of way to Lawson.
Trooper Cesar Davila found beer cans and an empty whisky bottle in the interior of the pickup.
Both drivers were flown from the scene (Luther Bookman pictured).
Trooper Davila also found a loaded hand gun in Bookman's pickup.
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