On July 31 at approximately 12:15 pm, DPS troopers responded to a two vehicle fatal crash on Hwy 31 E, east of Loop 323 in Smith County.
Preliminary crash investigation revealed that a 2005 Ford pick-up was traveling westbound on SH-31 while a 2012 Suzuki Sportbike motorcycle was traveling eastbound on the same roadway. The driver of the Ford made a left turn and failed to yield the right of way to the Suzuki. The motorcycle struck the right side of the Ford.
The driver of the Ford has been identified as Gary Gage, 70, of Big Sandy. Gage was not injured in the crash.
The driver of the Suzuki motorcycle has been identified as Brandon Turner, of Longview. Turner was pronounced dead at the scene.
